Paragraph 2 I1I2

after the definition of “benefit offence” insert—

““post-commencement offence” means an offence committed on or after 1 April 2002 (the day on which this section came into force).”, and

omit the definitions of “disqualifying benefit” and “sanctionable benefit”.

in paragraph (a), after “sentenced)” insert “ or in the case mentioned in paragraph (b)(ii) the date of the order for absolute discharge ”, and

for paragraph (b) substitute—

“(b)

references to a conviction include references to—

(i)

a conviction in relation to which the court makes an order for absolute or conditional discharge or a court in Scotland makes a probation order,

(ii)

an order for absolute discharge made by a court of summary jurisdiction in Scotland under section 246(3) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 without proceeding to a conviction, and

(iii)

a conviction in Northern Ireland.”.