Commentary First Group of Parts – Discipline Part 9 – Sentencing: Principles and Procedures Section 252: Duty to give reasons and explain sentence
500.Section 252 requires a court or CO passing sentence to explain the reasons for the sentence (except where the sentence is fixed by law, or is required under Chapter 6 of Part 8) and the effect of the sentence and of failing to comply. The court must also explain any power to vary or review the sentence on application. The Secretary of State may relax these requirements in specified cases. The section reflects part of section 174 of the 2003 Act.