The Act Commentary on Sections Part 2: Sentencing Section 12: Pre-sentence reports
193.Section 12 inserts a new subsection (1A) and (1B) into section 158 of the 2003 Act, which defines what a pre-sentence report is. New subsection (1A) makes it clear that, subject to any rules made by the Secretary of State under section (1)(b) of section 158, the court may accept an oral pre-sentence report. However, where a pre-sentence report relates to an offender under 18 years of age and the court is required to obtain and consider a pre-sentence report before the court forms an opinion under section 156(3)(a) - as to whether a discretionary custodial sentence should be imposed - new subsection (1B) provides that such a pre-sentence report must be in writing.