Commentary First Group of Parts – Discipline Part 9 – Sentencing: Principles and Procedures Section 260: Discretionary custodial sentences: general restrictions
516.This section prohibits a service court from passing a custodial sentence (except one fixed by law, or required under Chapter 6 of Part 8) unless it thinks the offence, or the combination of the offence and any associated offences (see paragraph 483 above), was so serious that no less severe sentence can be justified. The court can also pass a custodial sentence if it would have awarded a community punishment but cannot impose a particular requirement because the offender will not agree to it. The section reflects section 152 of the 2003 Act.