Legalize / United Kingdom / Public General Act

Armed Forces Act 2006

Type Public General Act

Publication 2006-11-08

Last updated 2026-04-01

State In force

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

(3) Without prejudice to subsections (1) and (2), a conviction of an offence for which an order under section 185 discharging the offender absolutely or conditionally is made is in any event to be disregarded for the purposes of any enactment or instrument which—

(a) imposes any disqualification or disability on convicted persons; or

(b) authorises or requires the imposition of any such disqualification or disability.

(4) In subsection (3)—

“enactment” includes an enactment contained in an Act of the Scottish Parliament, in Northern Ireland legislation or in a local Act;

“instrument” means an instrument having effect by virtue of an Act or Northern Ireland legislation (and “Act” here includes an Act of the Scottish Parliament).

(5) Subsections (1) to (4) do not affect—

(a) any appeal, whether against conviction or otherwise;

(b) any right of the offender to rely on his conviction in bar of any subsequent proceedings for the same offence; or

Chapter 2 — Consecutive Sentences

Consecutive custodial sentences

188

(1) This section applies where a court passes a qualifying custodial sentence on a person in respect of a service offence.

(2) In this section “qualifying custodial sentence” means—

(a) a determinate sentence of imprisonment;

(aa) a determinate sentence of detention in a young offender institution;

(b) a determinate sentence of detention under section 209; or

(3) The court may direct—

(a) that the sentence shall take effect from the end of any other qualifying custodial sentence that the court passes on the person on the same occasion;

(b) that the sentence shall take effect from the end of any sentence to which this paragraph applies that was passed on the person on a previous occasion; or

(c) that the sentence shall take effect from the date when the person is (or but for the direction would be) released from custody under any sentence to which this paragraph applies that was passed on him on a previous occasion.

(4) Subsection (3)(b) applies to any of the following sentences, other than one from which the person has already been released early under Chapter 6 of Part 12 of the 2003 Act or under Part 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991—

(a) a determinate sentence of imprisonment passed in respect of a service offence or by a civilian court in England and Wales;

(aa) a determinate sentence of detention in a young offender institution passed in respect of a service offence or by a civilian court in England and Wales;

(b) a determinate sentence of detention under section 209 of this Act or section 250 or 252A of the Sentencing Code;

(ba) a sentence of detention under section 254 of the Sentencing Code (whether or not passed as a result of section 221A of this Act);

(c) a sentence of detention under section ... 228 of the 2003 Act (whether or not passed as a result of section ... 222 of this Act).

(4A) The sentences referred to in subsection (4)(a) and (aa) are to be taken to include a custodial order under—

(a) section 71AA of the Army Act 1955 or the Air Force Act 1955 or section 43AA of the Naval Discipline Act 1957, or

(b) paragraph 10 of Schedule 5A to the Army Act 1955 or the Air Force Act 1955 or paragraph 10 of Schedule 4A to the Naval Discipline Act 1957.

(5) Subsection (3)(c) applies to any of the following sentences (wherever passed)—

(a) a determinate sentence of imprisonment or detention in a young offender institution not falling within paragraph (a) or (aa) of subsection (4);

(b) a sentence not falling within paragraph (b) , (ba) or (c) of subsection (4) but corresponding to a sentence so falling.

(6) In subsection (1) “court” does not include a civilian court.

Consecutive sentences of service detention

189

(1) A court which passes a sentence of service detention on a person may direct that the sentence shall take effect from the end of any other sentence of service detention—

(a) that has been passed on him on a previous occasion; or

(b) that the court passes on him on the same occasion.

(2) In subsection (1) “court” does not include the Summary Appeal Court.

(3) Where an officer or the Summary Appeal Court awards a person a term of service detention, the officer or court may direct that the award shall take effect from the end of any other sentence of service detention that has been passed on him on a previous occasion.

(4) This section is subject to section 244 (limit on combined term of sentences of service detention).

Chapter 3 — Suspended Sentence of Service Detention

Suspension of sentence of service detention

190

(1) A court which, or officer who, passes a sentence of service detention may order that the sentence shall not have effect unless—

(a) during a period specified in the order (“the operational period”) the offender commits another service offence or an offence under the law of any part of the British Islands; and

(b) a court or officer orders under section 191 or 193 that the sentence shall take effect.

(2) The operational period must be a period of not less than 3 months beginning with the date of the order made under this section.

(2A) The maximum length of the operational period is—

(a) where subsection (2B) applies, 24 months; and

(b) otherwise, 12 months.

(2B) This subsection applies where the order under this section is made by—

(a) the Court Martial,

(b) the Court Martial Appeal Court, or

except where the order is made in circumstances in which Schedule 3A applies (sentencing powers in cases involving election under section 129 for trial by Court Martial) or on an appeal arising out of a case in which that Schedule applied.

(3) In this Act “suspended sentence of service detention” means a sentence to which an order under this section relates.

Activation by Court Martial of suspended sentence of service detention

191

(1) The Court Martial may make an order under subsection (3) where it convicts a person of an offence committed during the operational period of a suspended sentence of service detention passed on him.

(2) The Court Martial may also make an order under subsection (3) if—

(a) the Court Martial has passed a suspended sentence of service detention on a person;

(b) the person has been convicted of another service offence, or an offence under the law of any part of the British Islands, committed during the operational period of the suspended sentence; and

(c) the person appears or is brought before the Court Martial following the issue of a summons or warrant under subsection (6).

(3) An order under this subsection is an order—

(a) that the suspended sentence shall take effect with the original term unaltered; or

(b) that the suspended sentence shall take effect with the substitution of a lesser term for the original term.

(4) An order under subsection (3) may provide either—

(a) that the suspended sentence shall take effect immediately; or

(b) that the suspended sentence shall take effect from the end of another sentence of service detention which has been passed on the person on a previous occasion or which the court passes on the person on the same occasion as it makes the order.

(5) Where—

(a) by virtue of subsection (2) the Court Martial orders that a suspended sentence shall take effect, and

(b) the conviction mentioned in subsection (2)(b) is a conviction by an officer or the Summary Appeal Court,

any unserved part of any service supervision and punishment order or minor punishment awarded by the officer or the Summary Appeal Court is remitted by the making of the order.

(6) If it appears to the Court Martial—

(a) that subsection (2)(a) and (b) apply, and

(b) that the offender has not been dealt with in respect of the suspended sentence,

the court may issue a summons requiring him to appear at the time and place specified in it, or a warrant for his arrest.

(7) In subsection (2)(a) the reference to the Court Martial includes—

(a) the Court Martial Appeal Court; and

(b) the Supreme Court on an appeal brought from the Court Martial Appeal Court.

(8) This section is subject to section 244 (limit on combined term of sentences of service detention).

Activation by Court Martial: appeals

192

(1) This section applies where an order under section 191 is made.

(2) For the purposes of the Court Martial Appeals Act 1968 (c. 20)—

(a) the order is to be treated as a sentence passed on the offender by the Court Martial for the offence for which the suspended sentence was passed; and

(b) if the offender was not convicted of that offence by the Court Martial, he is to be treated for the purpose of enabling him to appeal against the order as if he had been so convicted.

(3) For the purposes of any appeal against the order references in section 16A of that Act to passing a sentence include making an order.

(4) On an appeal against the order the Court Martial Appeal Court may (as an alternative to exercising its powers under section 16A(2) of that Act) quash the order.

Activation by CO of suspended sentence of service detention

193

(1) This section applies in relation to a suspended sentence of service detention passed on an offender by an officer or the Summary Appeal Court.

(2) If—

(a) an officer records a finding that a charge against the offender in respect of an offence committed during the operational period of the suspended sentence is proved, or

(b) the offender is convicted of an offence under the law of any part of the British Islands which was committed during that operational period, and subsequently appears before his commanding officer,

the officer may (subject to section 194) make an order under subsection (3).

(3) An order under this subsection is an order—

(a) that the suspended sentence shall take effect with the original term unaltered; or

(b) that the suspended sentence shall take effect with the substitution of a lesser term for the original term.

(4) An order under subsection (3) may provide either—

(a) that the suspended sentence shall take effect immediately; or

(b) that the suspended sentence shall take effect from the end of another sentence of service detention which has been passed on the offender on a previous occasion or which the officer passes on the offender on the same occasion as he makes the order.

(5) Any provision included by virtue of subsection (4) in an order made by an officer has effect subject to section 292 (postponement of commencement of suspended sentence on activation by CO).

Activation by CO: maximum term

194

(1) The term of a suspended sentence as it takes effect by virtue of an order under section 193 must not exceed 28 days unless the officer has extended powers for the purposes of this section.

(2) If—

(a) section 193(2)(a) applies and the officer awards a term of service detention in respect of the offence mentioned there (“the new sentence”), and

(b) the officer makes an order under section 193 and the order provides for the suspended sentence to take effect from the end of the new sentence,

the aggregate of the terms of the two sentences must not exceed 28 days or, if the officer has extended powers for the purposes of this section, 90 days.

(3) Nothing in subsection (2) affects section 133 (which determines the maximum length etc of the new sentence).

(4) An officer has extended powers for the purposes of this section if he has, within the relevant time (defined by section 194A) —

(a) applied to higher authority for extended powers for the purposes of this section; and

(b) been notified by higher authority that his application has been granted.

(5) An officer also has extended powers for the purposes of this section if he is of or above the rank of rear admiral, major-general or air vice-marshal.

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) Section 193 is subject to section 244 (limit on combined term of sentences of service detention).

Suspended sentences: powers of SAC

195

(1) For the purposes of Chapters 2 and 3 of Part 6 (appeals and reviews), an order under section 193 is to be treated as a punishment awarded for the offence for which the suspended sentence was awarded.

(2) Where an order under section 193 was made by virtue of a finding within section 193(2)(a)—

(a) any appeal, or application for leave to appeal, against the finding or the punishment awarded in respect of it is for the purposes of Chapter 2 of Part 6 to be treated as also being an appeal or application for leave to appeal against the order;

(b) any appeal, or application for leave to appeal, against the order is for those purposes to be treated as also being an appeal or application for leave to appeal against the punishment.

(3) Subsections (4) to (7) apply on an appeal to the Summary Appeal Court in a case in which section 193(2)(a) applied (power of CO to activate suspended sentence following finding of guilt).

(4) If the officer made an order under section 193, the Summary Appeal Court may (as an alternative to confirming the order)—

(a) quash the order; or

(b) make, in substitution for the order, any order under that section that the officer could have made.

(5) If the officer did not make an order under that section, the Summary Appeal Court may make any order under that section that the officer could have made.

(6) Section 147(3) has effect, as regards the Summary Appeal Court's powers of punishment in respect of the officer's finding (or any substituted finding), as if paragraph (b)(ii) were omitted.

(7) But the court may not exercise its powers under section 147(3) or subsection (4) or (5) above in such a way that, taking the case as a whole, the appellant is dealt with more severely on appeal than he was dealt with by the officer.

(8) On an appeal against an order under section 193 made by virtue of section 193(2)(b), the Summary Appeal Court may (as an alternative to confirming the order)—

(a) quash the order; or

(b) make, in substitution for the order, any order under section 193 that—

(i) the officer could have made; and

(ii) is no more severe than the order appealed against.

(9) In determining in any case—

(a) whether to substitute an order under section 193, or

(b) the terms of any such substituted order,

the Summary Appeal Court must take account of any period of the suspended sentence that the appellant served.

Chapter 4 — Imprisonment for Term of Under 12 Months

Application of provisions in the 2003 Act

Term of sentence etc

196

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Imprisonment with or without “custody plus” order

Imprisonment with or without a custody plus order

197

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Transfer to Scotland or Northern Ireland of custody plus order

198

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Revocation and amendment of custody plus orders

199

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Suspended sentences of imprisonment

Suspended sentence orders with or without community requirements

200

(1) In the following provisions of the Sentencing Code, “court” includes a relevant service court—

(a) section 264 (suspended sentence order for offender under 21: availability);

(aa) section 264A (presumption of suspended sentence order: offender under 21);

(b) section 277 (suspended sentence order for person aged 21 or over: availability);

(ba) section 277A (presumption of suspended sentence order: person aged 21 or over);

(i) section 286 (suspended sentence order);

(ii) section 292 (power to impose requirements);

(iii) section 298 (provision of copies of order etc);

(iv) section 302 (duty to obtain permission before changing residence);

(d) Schedule 9 (community requirements), other than paragraphs 21 and 22 (review of drug rehabilitation requirement);

(e) in Schedule 17 (transfer of suspended sentence orders to Scotland and Northern Ireland)—

(i) paragraph 1 (restriction on making relevant suspended sentence order where offender resides in Scotland);

(ii) paragraph 4 (restriction on making relevant suspended sentence order where offender resides in Northern Ireland);

(iii) Part 3 (making of orders);

and the provisions of the Sentencing Code relating to suspended sentence orders apply accordingly to suspended sentence orders made by a relevant service court.

(2) In their application to a suspended sentence order made by a relevant service court, the provisions of the Sentencing Code relating to suspended sentence orders are modified as set out in—

(a) sections 200ZA to 204, and

(b) Schedule 7 (modifications of Schedule 16 to the Sentencing Code (breach or amendment of suspended sentence order and effect of further conviction)).

Order without community requirements: provisions not applying

201

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Order with community requirements: disapplication of certain provisions

202

The following provisions of the Sentencing Code do not apply in relation to a suspended sentence order with community requirements made by a relevant service court—

paragraph 17(2)(c) of Schedule (condition for mental health treatment requirement);

section 298(4) (requirement to give copy of order to magistrates' court).

Review of order with community requirements

203

(1) Section 293 of the Sentencing Code (power to provide for review of suspended sentence order) has effect in relation to a suspended sentence order made by a relevant service court as if for subsections (4) to (6) there were substituted—

(4) In this section “the responsible court” in relation to a suspended sentence order means the Crown Court.

(2) In their application to a suspended sentence order made by a relevant service court, paragraphs 21 and 22 of Schedule 9 to the Sentencing Code are modified as follows.

(3) Paragraph 21 (court review of drug rehabilitation requirement) has effect as if for sub-paragraphs (4) to (6) there were substituted—

(4) In this paragraph “the responsible court”, in relation to a suspended sentence order made by a relevant service court imposing a drug rehabilitation requirement, means the Crown Court.

(4) Paragraph 22 (periodic review of drug rehabilitation requirement) has effect as if after sub-paragraph (5) there were inserted—

(5A) In a case where the order was made by the Service Civilian Court, a term of imprisonment or detention in a young offender institution or fine imposed under sub-paragraph (4)(b) must not exceed— (a) in the case of a term of imprisonment or detention in a young offender institution, 6 months; (b) in the case of a fine, the prescribed sum within the meaning of section 32 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980. (5B) Where a sentence is passed under sub-paragraph (4)(b), section 9 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 (appeal against sentence) applies as if the offender had been convicted on indictment of the offence for which the sentence was passed.

Transfer to Scotland or Northern Ireland of order with community requirements

204

Schedule 17 to the Sentencing Code (transfer of suspended sentence orders to Scotland or Northern Ireland) has effect in relation to a suspended sentence order made by a relevant service court as if—

(a) in paragraph 23, sub-paragraph (1)(b) and (c) were omitted;

(b) in paragraph 25, sub-paragraphs (b) and (c) were omitted;

(d) in paragraph 41(1), for the definition of “original court” there were substituted—

“original court”, in relation to an SSSO or an NISSO, means the Crown Court;

Amendment of order with community requirements

205

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Suspended sentence: further conviction or breach of community requirement

206

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Supplementary

Definitions for purposes of Chapter

207

In this Chapter—

“relevant service court” means any of the following—the Court Martial;the Service Civilian Court;the Court Martial Appeal Court;the Supreme Court on an appeal brought from the Court Martial Appeal Court;

“suspended sentence order” has the same meaning as in the Sentencing Code (see section 286(6) of that Code);

“suspended sentence order with community requirements” means a suspended sentence order that specifies one or more community requirements (see section 286(2) of that Code).

Chapter 5 — Young Offenders: Custodial Sentences Available to Service Courts

Prohibition on imposing imprisonment on persons under 18

208

A person who is aged under 21 when convicted of an offence by the Court Martial or the Service Civilian Court shall not be sentenced to imprisonment for the offence.

Detention for certain serious offences

Offenders under 18 convicted of certain serious offences: power to detain for specified period

209

(1) Subsection (5) (power to pass sentence of detention) applies where—

(a) a person aged under 18 is convicted by the Court Martial of an offence under section 42 (criminal conduct); and

(b) the case is within any of subsections (2) to (4).

(2) The case is within this subsection if the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is under that law—

(a) an offence punishable in the case of an offender aged 21 or over with imprisonment for 14 years or more; and

(b) not an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law;

and the case does not fall within section 221 or 227 (see subsections (4), (5B) and (5C)).

(3) The case is within this subsection if the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is an offence under—

(a) section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42) (sexual assault);

(b) section 13 of that Act (child sex offences committed by children or young persons);

(d) section 26 of that Act (inciting a child family member to engage in sexual activity);

and the case does not fall within section 221 (see subsection (5B)).

(4) The case is within this subsection if —

(a) it falls within section 227(1) (certain firearms offences), and

(b) the court is of the opinion mentioned in section 227(2) (exceptional circumstances justifying not imposing the required sentence).

(5) Where this subsection applies, the court may pass a sentence of detention under this section if it is of the opinion that none of the other methods by which the offender may legally be dealt with is suitable.

(5A) Subsection (5D) (duty to pass sentence of detention) applies where—

(a) a person aged under 18 is convicted by the Court Martial of an offence under section 42 (criminal conduct); and

(b) the case is within subsection (5B) or (5C).

(5B) The case is within this subsection if it falls within section 221 (life sentence for certain dangerous offenders aged under 18).

(5C) The case is within this subsection if—

(a) it falls within section 227(1) (certain firearms offences), and

(b) the Court Martial is not of the opinion mentioned in section 227(2) (exceptional circumstances justifying not imposing the required sentence).

(5D) Where this subsection applies, the court must pass a sentence of detention under this section.

(6) A sentence of detention under this section is a sentence that the offender be detained for such period (not exceeding the maximum term of imprisonment with which the offence under section 42 is punishable in the case of a person aged 21 or over) as may be specified in the sentence.

(7) Subsections (5) , (5D) and (6) are subject to (in particular)—

sections 260 and 261 (general restrictions on custodial sentences).

Detention under section 209: place of detention etc

210

(1) A person sentenced to be detained under section 209 is liable to be detained in such place, and under such conditions, as may be determined by the Secretary of State or by such other person as may be authorised by him for the purpose.

(2) A person detained in pursuance of a sentence under section 209 shall be deemed to be in legal custody.

Detention and training orders

Offenders under 18: detention and training orders

211

(1) Where—

(a) a person aged under 18 is convicted by the Court Martial or the Service Civilian Court of an offence which is punishable with imprisonment in the case of a person aged 21 or over, and

(b) the court is of the opinion mentioned in section 260(2) or the case falls within section 260(3),

the sentence that the court is to pass is (subject to subsections (2) and (3)) an order that the person shall be subject, for the term specified in the order, to a period of detention and training followed by a period of supervision.

(2) In the case of an offender aged under 15 at the time of the conviction, the court may not make an order under this section unless it is of the opinion that he is a persistent offender.

(3) In the case of an offender aged under 12 at the time of the conviction, the court may not make an order under this section unless—

(a) it is of the opinion mentioned in subsection (2);

(b) it is of the opinion that only a custodial sentence would be adequate to protect the public from further offending by him; and

(c) the offence was committed after paragraph (aa) of section 234(1) of the Sentencing Code comes into force (see paragraph 27(1)(b) of Schedule 22 to the Sentencing Act 2020).

(4) Subsection (1) is also subject to sections 209, 218, ... 221, 221A and 227 (other custodial sentences that may or must be imposed in particular cases).

Term of detention and training order: general

212

(1) The term of an order made under section 211 in respect of an offence—

(a) shall be 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18 or 24 months; and

(b) may not exceed the maximum term of imprisonment with which the offence is punishable in the case of a person aged 21 or over.

(2) Where—

(a) the offence is an offence under section 42 (criminal conduct),

(b) the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is under that law a summary offence, and

(c) the maximum term of imprisonment with which that offence is punishable in the case of a person aged 21 or over is 51 weeks,

the term of the order may not exceed 6 months.

(3) An order under section 211 takes effect at the beginning of the day on which it is made, unless the court orders otherwise under section 237 of the Sentencing Code (as applied by section 213 of this Act).

Application of provisions relating to civilian detention and training orders

213

(1) In the following provisions of the Sentencing Code, references to a detention and training order include an order under section 211 of this Act—

(a) sections 237 to 248;

(b) Schedule 12.

(2) In the following provisions of the Sentencing Code, “court” includes a relevant service court—

(a) sections 237 and 238;

(b) section 246;

(d) section 270.

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3A) In its application to a relevant service court, section 253 of the Sentencing Code has effect as if the references to a sentence of detention under section 250 or 252A were references to a sentence of detention under 209 of this Act.

(3B) In its application to a relevant service court, section 257 of the Sentencing Code has effect as if the references to an extended sentence of detention under section 254 were references to an extended sentence of detention under that section imposed as a result of section 221A of this Act.

(4) Subsection (5) applies where an order under paragraph 3(2)(a) of Schedule 12 to the Sentencing Code (further period of detention) is made against an offender for breach of supervision requirements—

(a) during a period of supervision under an order under section 211 of this Act,

(b) during a further period of supervision imposed for breach of supervision requirements during a period within paragraph (a), or

(i) each of which apart from the first was imposed for breach of supervision requirements during the previous further period of supervision, and

(ii) the first of which was imposed for breach of supervision requirements during a period within paragraph (a).

(5) Paragraph 5(2) of Schedule 12 to the Sentencing Code has effect as if, in the closing words, after “Schedule” there were inserted “ and section 214 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 ”.

(6) In subsection (4)—

“further period of supervision” means a period of supervision imposed under paragraph 3(2)(b) of Schedule 12 to the Sentencing Code;

“supervision requirement” has the meaning given in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12 to the Sentencing Code.

(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) In this section, “relevant service court” has the same meaning as in Chapter 4 of Part 8 (see section 207).

Offences during currency of detention and training order

214

(1) This section applies to a person in respect of whom an order under section 211 has been made if—

(a) after his release and before the date on which the term of the order ends, he commits an offence within subsection (2) (“the new offence”); and

(b) whether before or after that date, he is convicted of the new offence.

(1A) This section also applies to a person in respect of whom a service FSO has been made if—

(a) before the date on which the period of further supervision under the service FSO ends, he commits an offence within subsection (2) (“the new offence”); and

(b) whether before or after that date, he is convicted of the new offence.

(1B) A service FSO is an order under paragraph 3(2)(b) of Schedule 12 to the Sentencing Code subjecting the offender to a further period of supervision as a result of breach of supervision requirements—

(a) during a period of supervision under an order under section 211 of this Act,

(b) during a further period of supervision imposed for breach of supervision requirements during a period within paragraph (a), or

(i) each of which apart from the first was imposed for breach of supervision requirements during the previous further period of supervision, and

(ii) the first of which was imposed for breach of supervision requirements during a period within paragraph (a).

Terms used in this subsection have the same meaning as in section 213(4) (see section 213(6)).

(2) An offence is within this subsection if it is—

(a) a service offence which is punishable with imprisonment; or

(b) an offence under the law of any part of the British Islands which is so punishable.

(3) A court having power to do so under subsection (4) or (5) may order the person to be detained in such youth detention accommodation as the Secretary of State may determine for the whole or any part of the period which—

(a) begins with the date of the court's order; and

(b) is equal in length to the period between the date on which the new offence was committed and the date mentioned in subsection (1) or (1A) (as the case may be).

(4) Where the Court Martial or the Service Civilian Court convicts the person of the new offence, the court may on the conviction make an order under subsection (3).

(5) Where the offender is convicted of the new offence otherwise than by the Court Martial or the Service Civilian Court, the Court Martial may make an order under subsection (3) if the offender appears or is brought before it following the issue of a summons or warrant under subsection (7).

(6) Where an order under subsection (3) is made on the conviction of the new offence, the order must be in addition to the sentence for the new offence, and the period for which the person is ordered under subsection (3) to be detained—

(a) shall, as the court may direct, either be served before and be followed by, or be served concurrently with, any sentence imposed for the new offence; and

(b) in either case, shall be disregarded in determining the appropriate length of that sentence.

(7) If it appears to the Court Martial—

(a) that this section applies to a person,

(b) that his conviction of the new offence was not by the Court Martial or the Service Civilian Court, and

(c) that no order under subsection (3) or under paragraph 7 of Schedule 12 to the Sentencing Code has been made in respect of the new offence,

the Court Martial may issue a summons requiring the person to appear at the time and place specified in it, or a warrant for his arrest.

(8) A person detained in pursuance of an order under subsection (3) shall be deemed to be in legal custody.

Section 214: definitions etc

215

(1) Section 238(3) of the Sentencing Code (treatment of concurrent and consecutive terms) applies for the purposes of the reference in section 214(1)(a) of this Act to the term of an order.

(2) Where the new offence (within the meaning of section 214) is found to have been committed over a period of two or more days, or at some time during a period of two or more days, it shall be taken for the purposes of that section to have been committed on the last of those days.

(3) In section 214 “youth detention accommodation” has the meaning given by section 248 of the Sentencing Code.

Appeals against orders under section 214

216

(1) This section applies where an order under section 214 (“the relevant order”) is made.

(2) For the purposes of sections 285 to 287 (appeals from Service Civilian Court) or, as the case may be, the Court Martial Appeals Act 1968 (c. 20)—

(a) the relevant order is to be treated as a sentence passed on the offender, by the court that made the relevant order, for the offence for which the order under section 211 was made; and

(b) if the offender was not convicted of that offence by that court he is to be treated for the purpose of enabling him to appeal against the relevant order as if he had been so convicted.

(3) For the purposes of any appeal against the relevant order, references in section 16A of the Court Martial Appeals Act 1968 to passing a sentence include making an order.

(4) On an appeal to the Court Martial Appeal Court against the relevant order, the court may (as an alternative to exercising its powers under section 16A(2) of the Court Martial Appeals Act 1968) quash the order.

Chapter 6 — Mandatory etc Custodial Sentences for Certain Offences

Mandatory sentences

Mandatory life imprisonment

217

(1) This section applies if a person is convicted by the Court Martial of an offence under section 42 (criminal conduct) and the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is under that law—

(a) murder; or

(b) any other offence the sentence for which is fixed by law as imprisonment for life.

(2) Where on conviction the offender is 21 or over, the court must sentence the offender to imprisonment for life.

(3) Where on conviction the offender is aged under 21, the court must pass on the offender a sentence of custody for life under section 275 of the Sentencing Code.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply where the offender is liable to be detained under section 218 (detention at Her Majesty's pleasure for offender under 18).

Offenders who commit murder etc when under 18: mandatory detention at Her Majesty’s pleasure

218

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a person is convicted by the Court Martial of an offence under section 42 (criminal conduct);

(b) the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is under that law—

(i) murder; or

(ii) any other offence the sentence for which is fixed by law as imprisonment for life; and

(2) The court must (notwithstanding anything in this or any other Act) sentence him to be detained during Her Majesty's pleasure.

(3) A person sentenced to be detained under this section is liable to be detained in such place, and under such conditions, as may be determined by the Secretary of State or by such other person as may be authorised by him for the purpose.

(4) A person detained in pursuance of a sentence under this section shall be deemed to be in legal custody.

Required sentences

Dangerous offenders aged 18 or over

219

(1) This section applies where —

(a) a person aged 18 or over is convicted by the Court Martial of an offence under section 42 (criminal conduct),

(b) the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is a Schedule 19 offence within the meaning of Part 10 of the Sentencing Code (see section 307 of that Code), and

(1A) Where the offender is under 21 when convicted of the offence under section 42, section 274(3) of the Sentencing Code (duty to impose custody for life) applies in relation to the offender.

(2) Where the offender is 21 or over when convicted of the offence under section 42, section 285(3) of the Sentencing Code (duty to impose imprisonment for life) applies in relation to the offender.

(3) In sections 274(3) and 285(3) of the Sentencing Code (as applied by subsections (1A) and (2)), references to “the offence” are to be read as references to the offence under section 42 of this Act.

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) A sentence under section 274 or 285 of the Sentencing Code passed as a result of this section is not to be regarded as a sentence fixed by law.

Certain violent or sexual offences: offenders aged 18 or over

220

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dangerous offenders aged under 18

221

(1) This section applies where —

(a) a person aged under 18 is convicted by the Court Martial of an offence under section 42 (criminal conduct) which was committed on or after 4 April 2005,

(b) the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is a Schedule 19 offence within the meaning of Part 10 of the Sentencing Code (see section 307 of that Code),

(ba) the court considers that the seriousness of—

(i) the offence under section 42, or

(ii) that offence and one or more offences associated with it,

is such as to justify the imposition of a sentence of detention for life, and

(2) Section 258(2) of the Sentencing Code (duty to impose detention for life) applies in relation to the offender.

(3) In section 258(2) of the Sentencing Code (as applied by subsection (2)), the reference to section 250 of that Code is to be read as a reference to section 209 of this Act.

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) A sentence under section 258(2) of the Sentencing Code passed as a result of this section is not to be regarded as a sentence fixed by law.

Offenders aged under 18: certain violent or sexual offences

222

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“The required opinion” for purposes of sections 219 to 222

223

(1) “The required opinion” for the purposes of sections 219(1), 219A(1), 221(1) and 221A(1) is the opinion that there is a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm occasioned by the commission by the offender of—

(a) further specified offences; or

(b) further acts or omissions that would be specified offences if committed in England or Wales.

(2) For the purposes of the court's decision whether it is of that opinion, subsections (2) and (3) of section 308 of the Sentencing Code apply as they apply for the purposes of the assessment referred to in subsection (1) of that section.

(3) In section 308(2)(a) of the Sentencing Code as applied by this section, the reference to the offence is to be read as a reference to the offence under section 42 of this Act.

(4) In this section—

“serious harm” has the meaning given by section 306 of the Sentencing Code;

“specified offence” has the meaning given by that section.

Place of detention under certain sentences

224

Section 261 of the Sentencing Code (detention in pursuance of extended sentence) applies to detention imposed by virtue of section 221A of this Act as it applies to detention under section 254 of that Code.

Third drug trafficking offence

225

(1) This section applies where —

(a) a person aged 18 or over is convicted by the Court Martial of an offence under section 42 (criminal conduct); and

(b) if his conviction had been by a civilian court in England and Wales of the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales, section 313 of the Sentencing Code (third class A drug trafficking offence) would apply.

(2) The Court Martial must impose the sentence required by section 313(2A) of that Code, unless it is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances which—

(a) relate to any of the offences or to the offender; and

(b) justify not doing so.

Third domestic burglary

226

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a person aged over 18 is convicted by the Court Martial of an offence under section 42 (criminal conduct); and

(b) if his conviction had been by a civilian court in England and Wales of the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales, section 314 of the Sentencing Code (third domestic burglary) would apply.

(2) The Court Martial must impose the sentence required by section 314(2A) of that Code, unless it is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances which—

(a) relate to any of the offences or to the offender; and

(b) justify not doing so.

Firearms offences

227

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a person is convicted by the Court Martial of an offence under section 42 (criminal conduct);

(aa) the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is an offence listed in any of paragraphs 1 to 4 of Schedule 20 to the Sentencing Code; and

(b) if his conviction had been by a civilian court in England and Wales of that corresponding offence, section 311 of the Sentencing Code (minimum sentences for certain firearms offences) would apply.

(2) The Court Martial must impose the sentence required by section 311(2) of the Sentencing Code (as that provision has effect in relation to England and Wales), unless it is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the offence or to the offender which justify its not doing so.

(3) In section 311(3)(a) of that Code, as applied by this section, the reference to a sentence of detention under section 250 or 252A of that Code is to be read as a reference to a sentence of detention under section 209 of this Act.

Appeals where previous convictions set aside

228

(1A) Subsection (3) applies in the cases described in subsections (1B) to (2).

(1B) The first case is where—

(a) a sentence has been imposed on any person under section 273(3) or 283(3) of the Sentencing Code (life sentence for second listed offence) as applied by section 218A of this Act;

(b) a previous conviction of that person has been subsequently set aside on appeal; and

(1C) The second case is where—

(a) a sentence has been imposed on any person under section 225(3) of the 2003 Act (as applied by section 219(2) of this Act);

(b) the condition in section 225(3A) of the 2003 Act was met but the condition in section 225(3B) of that Act was not; and

(c) any previous conviction of the person without which the condition in section 225(3A) would not have been met is subsequently set aside on appeal.

(1D) The third case is where—

(a) a sentence has been imposed on any person under section 266 or 279 of the Sentencing Code (extended sentence for certain violent, sexual or terrorism offenders aged 18 or over) as applied by section 219A of this Act;

(b) the condition in section 219A(2) was met, but the condition in section 219A(3) was not; and

(c) any previous conviction of the person without which the condition in section 219A(2) would not have been met is subsequently set aside on appeal.

(1E) The fourth case is where—

(a) a sentence has been imposed on any person under section 227(2) of the 2003 Act (as applied by section 220(2) of this Act);

(b) the condition in section 227(2A) of the 2003 Act was met but the condition in section 227(2B) of that Act was not; and

(c) any previous conviction of the person without which the condition in section 227(2A) would not have been met is subsequently set aside on appeal.

(2) The fifth case is where—

(a) a sentence has been imposed on any person by virtue of section 225 or 226 of this Act; and

(b) any previous conviction of his without which that section would not have applied has subsequently been set aside on appeal.

(3) Where this subsection applies, an application for leave to appeal against the sentence may be lodged at any time within 29 days beginning with the day on which the previous conviction was set aside.

(3A) Subsection (3B) applies where—

(a) a sentence has been imposed on a person under section 273(3) or 283(3) of the Sentencing Code (life sentence for second listed offence) as applied by section 218A of this Act;

(b) a previous sentence imposed on that person has been subsequently modified on appeal; and

(c) taking account of that modification, the previous offence condition mentioned in section 218A(1)(d) would not have been met.

(3B) An application for leave to appeal against the sentence mentioned in subsection (3A)(a) may be lodged at any time within 29 days beginning with the day on which the previous sentence was modified.

(4) Subsections (3) and (3B) have effect notwithstanding anything in section 9(1) of the Court Martial Appeals Act 1968 (c. 20).

Chapter 7 — Court Orders Other Than Sentences

Service restraining orders

229

(1) The Court Martial or the Service Civilian Court may make an order under this section where—

(a) it convicts or acquits a person (“the defendant”) of an offence; and

(b) the defendant is subject to service law or is a civilian subject to service discipline.

(2) An order under this section—

(a) prohibits the defendant from doing anything described in the order; and

(b) has effect for a fixed period specified in the order or until further order.

(3) An order under this section may be made, and a prohibition may be included in the order, only for the purpose of protecting a person mentioned in the order from conduct which amounts to harassment.

(4) A person subject to service law or a civilian subject to service discipline commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he does anything which he is prohibited from doing by an order under this section.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed five years.

(6) In proceedings for an order under this section, the Director of Service Prosecutions and the defence may lead (as further evidence) any evidence which would be admissible in proceedings in the High Court in England and Wales for an injunction under section 3 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (c. 40).

Service restraining orders: supplementary

230

(1) Section 7 (interpretation) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (c. 40) (“the 1997 Act”) applies for the purposes of section 229 of this Act as it applies for the purposes of sections 5 and 5A of that Act.

(2) Section 12 of the 1997 Act (national security etc) applies for the purposes of section 229 of this Act as if—

(a) the reference in subsection (1)(c) to serious crime were a reference to serious service offences or serious crime (committed anywhere);

(b) the reference in subsection (1) to the 1997 Act were a reference to section 229 of this Act.

(3) Where the Court Martial Appeal Court allows an appeal against conviction it may remit the case to the Court Martial for that court to consider whether to proceed under section 229.

(4) Section 229 applies in relation to a case remitted under subsection (3) as if subsection (1)(a) were omitted.

Service restraining orders: appeals

231

(1) This section applies where a court makes an order under section 229—

(a) after it has acquitted the defendant of an offence; or

(b) in respect of a case remitted to it under section 230(3).

(2) For the purposes of sections 285 to 287 (appeals from Service Civilian Court) or, as the case may be, the Court Martial Appeals Act 1968 (c. 20)—

(a) the order is to be treated as a sentence passed on the defendant in respect of the offence; and

(b) the defendant is to be treated for the purpose of enabling him to appeal against the order as if he had been convicted of the offence by the court.

(3) For the purposes of any appeal against the order, references in section 16A of the Court Martial Appeals Act 1968 to passing a sentence include making an order.

Service restraining orders: variation and revocation

232

(1) The Court Martial may vary or revoke an order under section 229 on an application made by—

(a) the Director of Service Prosecutions;

(b) the defendant; or

(2) Any person mentioned in the order is entitled to be heard on the hearing of an application under subsection (1).

(3) Where a person is convicted of an offence under section 229, the court that convicts him may vary or revoke the order to which the offence relates.

Order for parent or guardian to enter into recognizance

Order for service parent or service guardian to enter into recognizance

233

(1) Where—

(a) a person aged under 18 is convicted of an offence by the Court Martial or the Service Civilian Court,

(b) he is a civilian subject to service discipline, and

the court may, and in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (3) must, exercise the powers conferred by this section.

(2) The powers conferred by this section are as follows—

(a) with the consent of the offender's service parent or service guardian, to order that parent or guardian to enter into a recognizance to take proper care of the offender and exercise proper control over him; and

(b) if the service parent or service guardian refuses consent and the court considers the refusal unreasonable, to order that parent or guardian to pay a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(3) The circumstances referred to in subsection (1) as those in which the court must exercise the powers conferred by this section are—

(a) that the offender is under 16 when convicted; and

(b) that the court is satisfied, having regard to the circumstances of the case, that the exercise of those powers would be desirable in the interests of preventing the commission by him of further offences.

(4) Where the powers conferred by this section are not exercised in a case where subsection (1) applies and the offender is under 16 when convicted, the court must state in open court that it is not satisfied as mentioned in subsection (3)(b) and why it is not so satisfied.

(5) A parent or guardian is a “service parent” or “service guardian” for the purposes of this section if he is a person subject to service law or a civilian subject to service discipline.

(6) For the purposes of this section, taking “care” of a person includes giving him protection and guidance and “control” includes discipline.

Recognizances and fines under section 233: further provision

234

(1) An order under section 233 must not require the parent or guardian to enter into a recognizance for an amount exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(2) Such an order must not require the parent or guardian to enter into a recognizance—

(a) for a period exceeding three years; or

(b) where the offender will reach the age of 18 in a period shorter than three years, for a period exceeding that shorter period.

(3) In fixing the amount of a recognizance under that section, the court must take into account (among other things) the means of the parent or guardian so far as they appear or are known to the court, and this applies whether taking those means into account has the effect of increasing or reducing the amount of the recognizance.

(4) A recognizance under section 233 may, where the court has passed an overseas community order on the offender, include a provision that the service parent or service guardian ensure that the offender complies with the requirements of that order.

(5) A court imposing a fine under section 233(2)(b) may make an order under section 251 (power to allow payment by instalments), and in relation to such a fine section 251(2) to (7) have effect as if any reference to a service compensation order were omitted.

Recognizances: appeals, variation and revocation

235

(1) For the purposes of sections 285 to 287 (appeals from Service Civilian Court) or, as the case may be, the Court Martial Appeals Act 1968 (c. 20)—

(a) an order under section 233 is to be treated as a sentence passed on the parent or guardian for the offence; and

(b) the parent or guardian is to be treated for the purpose of enabling him to appeal against the order as if he had been convicted of the offence by the court that made the order.

(2) For the purposes of any appeal against the order, references in section 16A of the Court Martial Appeals Act 1968 to passing a sentence include making an order.

(3) On an appeal against the order the Court Martial Appeal Court may (as an alternative to exercising its powers under section 16A(2) of that Act) quash the order.

(4) The Court Martial may vary or revoke an order under section 233 if on the application of the parent or guardian it appears to the court, having regard to any change in the circumstances since the order was made, to be in the interests of justice to do so.

Forfeiture of recognizance

236

(1) Where—

(a) a recognizance under section 233 has been entered into, and

(b) the offender commits a service offence during the period of the recognizance,

the Court Martial or the Service Civilian Court may on convicting the offender of that offence (and subject to subsection (2)) declare the recognizance to be forfeited.

(2) The court may not make such a declaration where the parent or guardian is neither a person subject to service law nor a civilian subject to service discipline.

(3) If a court declares under this section that a recognizance is to be forfeited it must—

(a) adjudge the parent or guardian to pay the sum in which he is bound;

(b) adjudge him to pay part of that sum; or

(4) A court declaring under this section that a recognizance is to be forfeited may make an order under section 251 (power to allow payment by instalments); and in relation to a forfeiture under this section, section 251(2) to (7) have effect as if references to the fine or service compensation order were to the forfeiture.

Part 9 — Sentencing: Principles and Procedures

Chapter 1 — Principles and Procedures applying to Service Courts and Summary Hearings

General sentencing principles

Duty to have regard to purposes of sentencing etc

237

(1) A court or officer dealing with an offender for a service offence must have regard to the following purposes of sentencing—

(a) the punishment of offenders;

(b) the maintenance of discipline;

(d) the reform and rehabilitation of offenders;

(e) the protection of the public (including victims of crime);

(f) the making of reparation by offenders to persons affected by their offences.

(2) If the offender is aged under 18 the court or officer must also have regard to his welfare.

(3) This section does not apply in relation to—

(a) an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law;

(b) an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under section 273(3) or 283(3) of the Sentencing Code as a result of section 218A(1B) or (2) (life sentence for second listed offence);

(ba) an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under section 274(3) or 285(3) of the Sentencing Code as a result of section 219(1A) or (2) (life sentence for certain dangerous offenders aged 18 or over);

(bb) an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under section 258(2) of the Sentencing Code as a result of section 221(2) (life sentence for certain dangerous offenders aged under 18);

(bc) an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under section 313(2A) of the Sentencing Code as a result of section 225(2) (third drug trafficking offence);

(bd) an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under section 314(2A) of the Sentencing Code as a result of section 226(2) (third domestic burglary);

(be) an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under section 311(2) of the Sentencing Code as a result of section 227(2) (firearms offences);

(c) an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under section 227A(1A) or (2) (threatening with a weapon in public or on school premises).

(4) In this section “sentencing” includes the making of any order when dealing with an offender in respect of his offence.

Deciding the seriousness of an offence

238

(1) A court or officer dealing with an offender for a service offence (“the current offence”) must in considering the seriousness of the offence—

(a) consider the offender's culpability in committing the offence and any harm which the offence caused, was intended to cause or could foreseeably have caused;

(b) if the offender has one or more previous convictions, treat as an aggravating factor each previous conviction that the court or officer considers can reasonably be so treated;

(i) charged with another service offence and released from service custody, or

(ii) on bail,

treat the fact that it was committed in those circumstances as an aggravating factor.

(2) In considering whether a previous conviction can reasonably be treated as an aggravating factor the court or officer must have regard (in particular) to—

(a) the nature of the offence to which the conviction relates and its relevance to the current offence; and

(b) the time that has elapsed since the conviction.

(3) Any reference in subsection (1) or (2) to a previous conviction is to be read as a reference to—

(a) a previous conviction of a service offence; ... or

(b) a previous conviction by a court in the British Islands of an offence other than a service offence.

(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) Nothing in this section prevents the court or officer from treating a previous conviction by a court outside the British Islands as an aggravating factor in any case where the court or officer considers it appropriate to do so.

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) In section 69 of the Sentencing Code (seriousness of offence with terrorist connection)—

(a) the references to a court are to be read as including a court dealing with an offender for an offence under section 42, and

(b) the reference in subsection (1) to an offence specified in Schedule 1 to that Code is to be read as a reference to an offence under section 42 as respects which the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is an offence specified in Schedule 1.

(7) In section 69A of the Sentencing Code (seriousness of offence where foreign power condition met)—

(a) the references in that section to a court are to be read as including a court dealing with an offender for a service offence, and

(b) the reference in subsection (1)(b) to an offence which is not an offence listed in subsection (2) is to be taken as a reference to an offence under section 42 as respects which the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is not an offence so listed.

Reduction in sentences for guilty pleas

239

(1) This section applies where an offender—

(a) has pleaded guilty to a service offence in proceedings before a court; or

(b) at a summary hearing in respect of a service offence, has admitted the offence.

(2) In determining what sentence to pass on the offender, the court or officer dealing with him for his offence must take into account—

(a) the stage in the proceedings for the offence at which he indicated his intention to plead guilty or his intention to admit the offence at a summary hearing; and

(b) the circumstances in which this indication was given.

(3) In subsection (2) “sentence” includes any order made when dealing with the offender in respect of his offence.

(4) Subsection (5) applies in the case of an offence the sentence for which, as a result of section 225(2) or 226(2) of this Act (required custodial sentences), falls to be imposed under section 313(2A) or 314(2A) of the Sentencing Code.

(5) Nothing in section 313(2A) or 314(2A) of that Code prevents the court, after taking into account any matter mentioned in subsection (2) above, from imposing any sentence which is at least 80% of that specified in section 313(2A) or 314(2A) of that Code.

(6) Nothing in section 227A(1A) or (2) prevents the court, after taking into account any matter mentioned in subsection (2) of this section, from imposing any sentence which is at least 80% of that specified in section 227A(1A) or (2).

Increase in sentence for racial or religious aggravation

240

(1) This section applies where a court or officer dealing with an offender for a service offence (other than an offence mentioned in subsection (3)) is considering the seriousness of the offence.

(2) If the offence was racially or religiously aggravated the court or officer—

(a) must treat that fact as an aggravating factor; and

(b) must state in open court that the offence was so aggravated.

(3) This section does not apply in relation to an offence under section 42 as respects which the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is an offence under any of sections 29 to 32 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) (racially or religiously aggravated assaults, criminal damage, public order offences and harassment etc).

(4) Section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (meaning of “racially or religiously aggravated”) applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of sections 29 to 32 of that Act.

241

(1) This section applies where a court or officer dealing with an offender for a service offence within subsection (2) is considering the seriousness of the offence.

(2) A service offence is within this subsection if—

(a) at the time of committing the offence, or immediately before or after doing so, the offender demonstrated towards the victim of the offence hostility based on—

(i) the sexual orientation (or presumed sexual orientation) of the victim; ...

(ii) a disability (or presumed disability) of the victim; or

(iii) the victim being (or being presumed to be) transgender, or

(b) the offence is motivated (wholly or partly)—

(i) by hostility towards persons who are of a particular sexual orientation; ...

(ii) by hostility towards persons who have a disability or a particular disability , or

(iii) by hostility towards persons who are transgender.

(3) The court or officer—

(a) must treat as an aggravating factor the fact that the offence was committed in any of the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2); and

(b) must state in open court that the offence was committed in such circumstances.

(4) It is immaterial for the purposes of paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2) whether the offender's hostility is also based to any extent on any other factor not mentioned in that paragraph.

(5) In this section “disability” means any physical or mental impairment.

(6) In this section references to being transgender include references to being transsexual, or undergoing, proposing to undergo or having undergone a process or part of a process of gender reassignment.

Service detention and custodial sentences

Service detention: general restriction

242

(1) A court may not pass a sentence of service detention in respect of an offence unless it is of the opinion that the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it, was serious enough to warrant such a sentence.

(2) In forming any such opinion as is mentioned in subsection (1) or section 243(2) (length of sentence), a court must take into account all such information as is available to it about the circumstances of the offence and any associated offence, including any aggravating or mitigating factors.

(3) In subsections (1) and (2) “court” does not include the Summary Appeal Court.

(4) A sentence of service detention may not be—

(a) passed by an officer at a summary hearing, or

(b) passed or confirmed by the Summary Appeal Court,

unless the officer or court is of the opinion that the offence it is in respect of (or, if it is in respect of two or more offences, the combination of them) was serious enough to warrant such a sentence.

(5) In forming any such opinion as is mentioned in subsection (4) or section 243(3) (length of sentence), an officer or the Summary Appeal Court must take into account all such information as is available to him or it about the circumstances of the offence (or offences), including any aggravating or mitigating factors.

Length of term of service detention: general provision

243

(1) This section applies where a sentence of service detention is passed in respect of a service offence.

(2) Where the detention is imposed by a court other than the Summary Appeal Court, it must be for the shortest term (not exceeding the permitted maximum) that in the opinion of the court is commensurate with the seriousness of the offence or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it.

(3) Where the detention is imposed by an officer at a summary hearing or by the Summary Appeal Court, it must be for the shortest term (not exceeding the permitted maximum) that in the opinion of the officer or court is commensurate with the seriousness of the offence (or, if it is imposed in respect of two or more offences, the seriousness of them taken together).

Limit on combined term of sentences of service detention

244

(1) A court or officer may not—

(a) pass a sentence of service detention,

(b) make a direction under section 189 (consecutive terms of service detention), or

whose effect would be that a person would (at the relevant time) be subject to sentences of service detention the combined term of which exceeds two years.

(2) In subsection (1) “the relevant time” is the time immediately after the passing of the sentence or the making of the direction or order.

(3) For the purposes of this section, the combined term of sentences of service detention is—

(a) if none of the sentences overlap, the aggregate of the terms of the sentences;

(b) otherwise, the aggregate of—

(i) the period (or periods) during which any of the sentences overlaps any other of them; and

(ii) the period (or periods) for which none of the sentences overlap.

(4) Where subsection (1) is contravened, any part of any sentence of service detention which would (apart from this subsection) have effect after the end of the permitted period is remitted by virtue of this subsection.

(5) In subsection (4) “permitted period” means the period—

(a) beginning with the date of contravention; and

(b) equal in length to the longest sentence of service detention that could have been passed on that date without contravening subsection (1).

(6) For the purposes of the reference in subsection (4) to a part of a sentence which would have effect after the end of the permitted period, any prospect of early release is to be disregarded.

(7) In subsection (1)(a) “sentence of service detention” does not include a suspended sentence of service detention.

Section 244: supplementary

245

(1) Subsections (2) to (5) apply for the purposes of section 244.

(2) A person is to be regarded as not subject to any sentence from which he has been released early.

(3) A person is to be regarded as not subject to a suspended sentence of service detention unless an order that the sentence shall take effect has been made.

(4) Subject to subsection (3), a person is to be regarded as subject to any sentence of service detention that has been passed on him but—

(a) has not taken effect; or

(b) as a result of section 290(5) or (6) or 291(6) or (7), has ceased to have effect and has not resumed effect.

(5) A person who has been detained continuously pursuant to two or more sentences of service detention is to be regarded as subject to all of those sentences (whether or not any of them has been served in full).

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), any periods of detention which would be continuous but for section 290(3), (5) or (6) or 291(5), (6) or (7) are to be treated as continuous.

Crediting of time in service custody: terms of imprisonment and detention

246

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a court or officer sentences an offender to a term of imprisonment or service detention in respect of a service offence (“the offence in question”); and

(b) the offender has been kept in service custody, in connection with the offence in question or any related offence, for any period since being charged with the offence in question or any related offence.

(2) The number of days for which the offender was kept in service custody in connection with the offence in question or any related offence since being so charged is to count as time served by the offender as part of the sentence.

(2A) If, on any day on which the offender was kept in service custody, the offender was also detained in connection with any other matter, that day is not to count as time served.

(2B) A day counts as time served—

(a) in relation to only one sentence, and

(b) only once in relation to that sentence.

(2C) A day is not to count as time served as part of any automatic release period served by the offender (see section 255B(1) or 255BA(1) of the 2003 Act).

(6) This section applies to—

(a) a determinate sentence of detention under section 209, ...

(b) a sentence of detention under section 226B or 228 of the 2003 Act passed as a result of section 221A or 222 of this Act ,

(ba) an extended sentence of detention under section 254 of the Sentencing Code passed as a result of section 221A of this Act, and

as it applies to an equivalent sentence of imprisonment.

(7) References in this section to “the court” are to the court or officer mentioned in subsection (1).

Crediting of time in service custody: supplementary

247

(1) For the purposes of section 246(1) offences are related if the charges for them were founded on the same facts or evidence.

(2) It is immaterial for the purposes of section 246(1) whether the offender has also been kept in service custody in connection with other offences (but see section 246(2B))....

(2A) The reference in section 246(2A) to detention in connection with any other matter does not include remand in custody in connection with another offence but includes—

(a) detention pursuant to any custodial sentence;

(b) committal in default of payment of any sum of money;

(d) committal for failure to do or abstain from doing anything required to be done or left undone.

(3) For the purposes of section 246 a suspended sentence of imprisonment or a suspended sentence of service detention—

(a) is to be treated as a sentence of imprisonment or (as the case may be) service detention when an order that it shall take effect is made; and

(b) is to be treated as being imposed by that order.

(4) Subsections (5) to (7) apply for the purposes of the references in section 246(2) and (2B) to the term of imprisonment or detention to which a person has been sentenced (that is to say, the reference to his “sentence”).

(5) Consecutive terms of service detention, and terms of service detention which are wholly or partly concurrent, are to be treated as a single term.

(6) Consecutive relevant custodial terms, and relevant custodial terms which are wholly or partly concurrent, are to be treated as a single term if—

(a) the sentences were passed on the same occasion; or

(b) where they were passed on different occasions, the person has not been released under Chapter 6 of Part 12 of the 2003 Act at any time during the period beginning with the first and ending with the last of those occasions.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (6) a sentence within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 188(4) is a relevant custodial term.

Forfeiture of seniority and reduction in rank

Forfeiture of seniority and reduction in rank or disrating: general restriction

248

(1) A court may not pass a sentence of forfeiture of seniority, reduction in rank or disrating in respect of an offence unless it is of the opinion that the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it, was serious enough to warrant such a sentence.

(2) In forming any such opinion as is mentioned in subsection (1), a court must take into account all such information as is available to it about the circumstances of the offence and any associated offence, including any aggravating or mitigating factors.

(3) In subsections (1) and (2) “court” does not include the Summary Appeal Court.

(4) A sentence of forfeiture of seniority, reduction in rank or disrating may not be—

(a) passed by an officer at a summary hearing, or

(b) passed or confirmed by the Summary Appeal Court,

(5) In forming any such opinion as is mentioned in subsection (4), an officer or the Summary Appeal Court must take into account all such information as is available to him or it about the circumstances of the offence (or offences), including any aggravating or mitigating factors.

Financial punishments

Fixing of fines

249

(1) A court or officer fixing a fine to be imposed on an offender in respect of a service offence must, before fixing the amount of the fine, inquire into the offender's financial circumstances.

(2) The amount of any fine fixed by a court or officer in respect of a service offence must be such as, in the opinion of the court or officer, reflects the seriousness of the offence.

(3) In fixing the amount of any fine to be imposed on an offender in respect of a service offence, a court or officer must take into account the circumstances of the case including, among other things, the offender's financial circumstances so far as they are known, or appear, to the court or officer.

(4) Subsection (3) applies whether taking into account the offender's financial circumstances has the effect of increasing or reducing the amount of the fine.

(5) Where—

(a) the court has inquired into the offender's financial circumstances as required by this section,

(b) the offender has failed to co-operate with the court in its inquiry (whether by failing to comply with a financial statement order under section 266 or otherwise), and

(c) the court considers that it has insufficient information to make a proper determination of the offender's financial circumstances,

the court may make such determination of his financial circumstances as it considers appropriate.

(6) References in subsection (5) to “the court” are to the court or officer fixing a fine in respect of a service offence.

Determination of service compensation order

250

(1) In determining whether to make a service compensation order against any person, and in determining the amount to be paid by any person under such an order, a court or officer must have regard to that person's financial circumstances so far as they appear or are known to the court or officer.

(2) Where the court or officer considers—

(a) that it would be appropriate both to impose a fine and to make a service compensation order, but

(b) that the offender has insufficient means to pay both an appropriate fine and appropriate compensation,

the court or officer must give preference to compensation (but may impose a fine as well).

Power to allow payment of fine or service compensation order by instalments

251

(1) A court or officer awarding a fine or service compensation order in respect of a service offence may make an order under this section.

(2) An order under this section is an order—

(a) allowing time for payment of the amount due in respect of the fine or service compensation order (“the amount due”); or

(b) directing payment of that amount by instalments of such amounts and on such dates as may be specified in the order.

(3) If no order under this section is made when the fine or service compensation order is imposed, at any later time the appropriate court may make such an order on the application of the person by whom the amount due is payable (“the relevant person”).

(4) The appropriate court may on the application of the relevant person vary an order made under this section.

(5) In this section “the appropriate court” means—

(a) if the fine or service compensation order was imposed by an officer and subsection (6) applies, the commanding officer of the relevant person;

(b) if the fine or service compensation order was imposed by a court and subsection (6) or (7) applies, the Court Martial.

(6) This subsection applies if the relevant person is for the time being—

(a) subject to service law;

(b) a member of a volunteer reserve force; or

(7) This subsection applies if the relevant person is for the time being a civilian subject to service discipline.

Reasons

Duty to give reasons and explain sentence

252

(1) Any court or officer passing sentence on an offender for a service offence—

(a) must state in open court, in ordinary language and in general terms and in accordance with section 253, its (or his) reasons for deciding on the sentence passed; and

(b) must explain to the offender in ordinary language—

(i) the effect of the sentence;

(ii) where the offender is required to comply with any order forming part of the sentence, the effects of non-compliance with the order;

(iii) any power, on the application of the offender or any other person, to vary or review any order forming part of the sentence; and

(iv) where the sentence consists of or includes a fine, the effects of failure to pay the fine.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) prescribe cases in which subsection (1)(a) or (b) does not apply;

(b) prescribe cases in which the statement referred to in subsection (1)(a) or the explanation referred to in subsection (1)(b) may be made in the absence of the offender, or may be provided in written form.

(4) In this section and section 253 “sentence” includes any order made when dealing with the offender in respect of his offence.

Duties in complying with section 252

253

(1) In complying with section 252(1)(a) an officer or the Summary Appeal Court must—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) if section 239 (guilty pleas) applies and as a result of taking into account a matter mentioned in section 239(2) the officer or court has imposed a punishment on the offender which is less severe than the punishment that would otherwise have been imposed, state that fact;

(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) In complying with section 252(1)(a) a court other than the Summary Appeal Court must—

(a) where guidelines indicate that a sentence of a particular kind, or within a particular range, would normally be appropriate for the offence and the sentence is of a different kind or is outside that range, state the court's reasons for deciding on a sentence of a different kind or outside that range;

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