Commentary on Sections Dangerous offenders Section 4: Parole Board release when serving extended sentences
129.Section 4 alters the release arrangements for extended determinate sentences, so that all offenders serving such sentences are subject to Parole Board release between the two-thirds and end points of the custodial term (instead of automatic release at the two-thirds point) rather than only offenders serving sentences imposed for more serious offences, as at present.
130.Section 4 amends section 246A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, which sets out the arrangements for the release of prisoners serving extended determinate sentences (imposed under sections 226A and 226B of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and corresponding provision in the Armed Forces Act 2006).
131.Subsections (2) and (3) amend section 246A to provide that, in relation to offenders sentenced to an extended determinate sentence after the commencement of these provisions, the Secretary of State must refer all such prisoners to the Parole Board when the two-thirds point of the appropriate custodial term has been reached under section 246A(4).