Commentary on Sections Schedule 1: Sentence and Parole Board release for offenders of particular concern
136.Schedule 1 introduces a new sentence for adult offenders who have been convicted of an offence listed in new Schedule 18A to the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and have been given a sentence of imprisonment (but not a life sentence or an extended determinate sentence under section 226A). The new sentence must consist of a custodial term and a one year period of licence, and offenders serving the new sentence will be subject to discretionary release by the Parole Board between the halfway and end point of the custodial term.
137.Schedule 1 amends the Criminal Justice Act 2003, in particular to insert new sections 236A and 244A and new Schedule 18A.
138.Paragraph 2 inserts new section 236A, which forms a new Chapter 5A of Part 12.
139.Subsection (1) of new section 236A sets out the circumstances in which an offender will fall to be sentenced under subsection (2). Where the court decides to impose a custodial sentence in respect of an offence listed in Schedule 18A (committed when the offender is 18 or older), and the court does not impose a life sentence or an extended determinate sentence (under section 226A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003), the court is obliged to impose a sentence of imprisonment which consists of the appropriate custodial term and a 1 year period to be spent on licence. Where the offender is aged 18-20, the sentence will be for detention in a young offender institution (see paragraph 10).
140.Subsection (3) of new section 236A defines ‘the appropriate custodial term’ as that which in the opinion of the court ensures the sentence imposed is appropriate. Subsection (4) prevents the offender from receiving a longer sentence than could have been given at the time the offence was committed.
141.Subsection (5) clarifies that this sentence may be imposed in respect of one offence, or in respect of one or more associated offences. Subsection (6) of new section 236A gives the Secretary of State a power to add or remove offences by order (subject to the affirmative procedure) to or from Schedule 18A, or to amend those offences; subsection (7) provides that an amendment made by such an order could apply to anyone sentenced on or after the date on which the amendment comes into force, regardless of when the offence was committed.