Commentary First Group of Parts – Discipline Part 8 – Sentencing Powers and Mandatory Etc Sentences Section 187: Effect of discharge
390.This section corresponds to section 14 of the Sentencing Act. Under subsection (1), an offender who is conditionally or absolutely discharged is deemed not to have been convicted of an offence, except for the purposes of the proceedings in which the order was made and any re-sentencing of the offender under section 186. Under subsection (2) this rule ceases to apply if the offender is later re-sentenced under section 186 (provided that he was aged 18 or over when he was convicted of the original offence).
391.Under subsection (3), where a conditional or absolute discharge is imposed the conviction is also to be disregarded for the purposes of legislation imposing a disqualification or disability.
392.Subsection (5) ensures that the section does not affect the offender’s rights of appeal, his right not to be tried again for the same offence, or an order to restore property.