Commentary on Sections Part 12 - Sentencing Chapter 1: General provisions about sentencing Section 154:  General limits on magistrates’ court’s power to impose imprisonment
457.This section re-enacts section 78 Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act but with a significant amendment. This is an increase in magistrates’ sentencing powers so as to enable them to impose custodial sentences of up to and including 12 months in respect of any one offence. These powers are, by virtue of subsection (4) without prejudice to any term of imprisonment which may be imposed for non-payment of a fine.