Explanatory note

Section 51A of the Firearms Act 1968 provides for minimum sentences to be imposed for certain offences under section 5 of that Act (“a qualifying offence”). Section 51A provides that an offender aged 18 or over when convicted of a qualifying offence for which a sentence of imprisonment is imposed will receive a minimum term of five years.

This Order modifies section 51A pending the repeal of the sentence of detention in a young offender institution for offenders aged 18 to 20 at the time of conviction. The modifications in this Order apply the five-year minimum term for a qualifying offence to offenders aged 21 or over sentenced to imprisonment and to 18 to 20 year olds sentenced to detention in a young offender institution.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this Order as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.