The Act Commentary on Sections Part 5: Miscellaneous Section 34: Sentences of imprisonment for bail offences
288.Section 34 amends the Criminal Justice Act 2003 so that the sentencing arrangements for prison sentences of less than 12 months introduced by sections 181 and 182 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 are not applied to offences of absconding while released on bail, committed under section 6 of the Bail Act 1976.
289.Subsection (2) amends the definition of “sentence of imprisonment” in section 195 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, which applies in Chapter 3 of the 2003 Act, to exclude sentences of imprisonment following summary conviction for offences of absconding while released on bail.
290.Subsection (3) amends section 237 of the 2003 Act so that offenders serving sentences of imprisonment following summary conviction for offences of absconding while released on bail are excluded from the definition of “fixed term prisoner” in Chapter 6.
291.Subsection (4) amends section 257 of the 2003 Act so that offenders serving sentences of imprisonment for offences of absconding while released on bail may be awarded additional days for disciplinary offences.
292.Subsection (5) amends section 258 of the 2003 Act so that offenders serving sentences of imprisonment following summary conviction for offences of absconding while released on bail are subject to the same early release arrangements as fine defaulters and contemnors.
293.Subsection (6) amends the definition of “sentence of imprisonment” in section 305(1) of the 2003 Act, which applies to Part 12 of that Act, to clarify that a committal for contempt of court or any kindred offence is excluded from that definition.