Article 20 Power to release certain prisoners on compassionate grounds

The Secretary of State may, if satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist which justify the release of a prisoner to whom this Article applies on compassionate grounds, at any time release the prisoner on licence under this Article.

This Articles applies to—

The Secretary of State shall, before releasing a prisoner serving—

consult the Parole Commissioners unless the circumstances are such as to render such consultation impracticable.

In this Article “fixed-term prisoner” includes a person serving a determinate custodial sentence for an offence committed before the commencement of this Article.