Commentary First Group of Parts – Discipline Part 9 – Sentencing: Principles and Procedures Section 249: Fixing of fines
497.This section requires a court or CO, when fixing a fine in respect of a service offence, to inquire into the offender’s financial circumstances; to determine what those circumstances are; to take account of those circumstances (whether that means increasing or reducing the fine) and the circumstances of the case; and to ensure that the amount of the fine reflects the seriousness of the offence. Section 249 reflects section 164 of the 2003 Act.