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Section 261 Length of discretionary custodial sentences: general provisionI1I2

United Kingdom

Changes not yet applied. Later legislation changes this provision in ways not yet written into the text below:

(1)

This section applies where a court passes a custodial sentence for a service offence, other than a sentence fixed by law or F1imposed under F2—

(a)

section 273(3) or 283(3) of the Sentencing Code as a result of section 218A(1B) or (2) (life sentence for second listed offence),

(b)

section 274(3) or 285(3) of the Sentencing Code as a result of section 219(1A) or (2) (life sentence for certain dangerous offenders aged 18 or over), or

(c)

section 258(2) of the Sentencing Code as a result of section 221(2) (life sentence for certain dangerous offenders aged under 18).

(2)

The custodial sentence must be for the shortest term (not exceeding the permitted maximum) that in the opinion of the court is commensurate with the seriousness of the offence or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it.

(3)

Subsection (2) is subject to sections F3219A, 221A, 225, 226 F4, 227 and 227A (F5sentences that may or must be imposed for certain offences).

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1

Words in s. 261(1) substituted (31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 25 para. 22(a); S.I. 2009/1028, art. 2(b)

F2

S. 261(1)(a)-(c) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 25 para. 59 (with s. 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F3

Words in s. 261(3) substituted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 22 para. 35(3); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(t)

F4

Words in s. 261(3) substituted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 26 para. 28; S.I. 2012/2770, art. 2(f)

F5

Words in s. 261(3) substituted (31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 25 para. 22(b); S.I. 2009/1028, art. 2(b)

Modifications

C1

S. 261(1) modified in part (1.12.2020 immediately before the consolidation date (see 2020 c. 9, ss. 3, 5(2)(3) and 2020 c. 17, ss. 2, 416)) by Sentencing (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Act 2020 (c. 9), ss. 1, 5(2)(3) (with s. 5(9)); S.I. 2012/1236, reg. 2

Commencement

I1

S. 261 in force at 28.3.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)

I2

S. 261 in force at 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4