Part IE+W+S Detention, Transfer and Release of Offenders

Early releaseE+W+S

1Release of short-term, long-term and life prisoners.S

(1)[F1Subject to section 26A(4) of this Act,] as soon as a short-term prisoner [F2, not being a prisoner to whom section 1AA of this Act applies,] has served one-half of his sentence the Secretary of State shall, without prejudice to any supervised release order to which the prisoner is subject, release him unconditionally.

[F3(1A)Subsections (2) and (2A) apply as follows—

(a)subsection (2) applies in relation to a long-term prisoner who is serving a sentence imposed before [F41st February 2016] ,

(b)subsection (2A) applies in relation to a long-term prisoner who is—

(i)serving a sentence imposed on or after [F51st February 2016], and

(ii)not subject to an extended sentence within the meaning of section 210A of the 1995 Act.

(1B)For the purpose of subsection (1A), a sentence specified on appeal in substitution for a sentence imposed earlier is to be regarded as imposed when the earlier sentence was imposed.]

(2)As soon as a long-term prisoner has served two-thirds of his sentence, the Secretary of State shall release him on licence [F6 unless he has before that time been so released, in relation to that sentence, under any provisionof this Act].

[F7(2A)As soon as a long-term prisoner has only 6 months of the prisoner's sentence left to serve, the Scottish Ministers must release the prisoner on licence unless the prisoner has previously been so released in relation to that sentence under any provision of this Act.]

(3)After a long-term prisoner has served one-half of [F8the prisoner's sentence, the Scottish Ministers must release the prisoner on licence if recommended to do so by the Parole Board].

[F9(3A)Subsections (1) to (3) above are subject to [F10sections 1A and 1B] of this Act.]

[F11(3B)The Parole Board must publish, in such manner as it considers appropriate, the test it will apply in making a recommendation under subsection (3).]

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

F12(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F12(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F12(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8)Schedule 1 to this Act, which makes special provision as respects the release of persons serving both a sentence of imprisonment imposed on conviction of an offence and a term of imprisonment or detention referred to in section 5(1)(a) or (b) of this Act, shall have effect.

[F13(9)This section does not apply in relation to a person to whom section 1AB applies [F14to the extent that the person is serving a sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of an offence within section 1AB(2)].]

[F151AARelease of certain sexual offendersS

(1)As soon as a prisoner to whom this section applies has served one-half of his sentence the Scottish Ministers are to release him on licence.

(2)This section applies to any short-term prisoner—

(a)sentenced to a term of 6 months or more; and

(b)who, by virtue of the conviction in respect of which that sentence was imposed, is subject to the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42).

(3)It is immaterial, for the purposes of subsections (1) and (2) above, when the offence of which the prisoner was convicted was committed.

(4)But this section does not apply to a prisoner who was released under section 1(1) of this Act in relation to the sentence mentioned in subsection (2)(a) above before the date on which section 15(3) of the Management of Offenders etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 14) came into force (except that where the prisoner is serving terms which by virtue of section 27(5) of this Act fall to be treated as a single term, the reference in the preceding provisions of this subsection to his being released in relation to the sentence mentioned in subsection (2)(a) above is to be construed as a reference to his being released in relation to the single term).

(5)Section 17 of this Act applies to such short-term prisoners as are mentioned in subsection (2) above as that section applies to long-term prisoners.

(6)Where a prisoner is released on licence under this section, the licence (unless revoked) remains in force until the entire period specified in his sentence (reckoned from the commencement of the sentence) has elapsed; but this subsection is subject to subsections (7) and (8) below.

(7)Where the prisoner is serving terms which by virtue of section 27(5) of this Act fall to be treated as a single term the licence (unless revoked) remains in force until the relevant period (reckoned from the commencement of the single term) has elapsed.

(8)The “relevant period” mentioned in subsection (7) above is—

(a)the single term after deduction of half the number of days (if any) by which that term exceeds what it would be were there disregarded in determining it such terms (if any) as are imposed for a conviction other than one by virtue of which the prisoner is subject to the notification requirements mentioned in subsection (2)(b) above; or

(b)if to disregard such terms as are so imposed would have the consequence—

(i)that there would not remain two or more terms to treat as a single term; or

(ii)that though two or more terms would remain they would no longer be consecutive or wholly or partly concurrent,

the single term after deduction of half the number of days (if any) by which that term exceeds the term imposed for the conviction, or as the case may be the terms imposed for the convictions, by virtue of which the prisoner is subject to those requirements.]

[F16(9)This section is subject to section 1B.]

[F171ABRestricted eligibility for release on licence of terrorist prisonersE+W+S

(1)This section applies to a person other than a life prisoner (a “terrorist prisoner”) who—

(a)is serving a sentence of imprisonment imposed (whether before or after this section comes into force) in respect of an offence within subsection (2), and

(b)has not been released on licence.

(2)An offence is within this subsection ([F18whenever it was committed]) if—

[F19(a)it is specified in Part 1 or 2 of Schedule 1A (terrorism offences punishable with imprisonment for life or for more than two years),]

[F20(b)it is a service offence as respects which the corresponding civil offence is so specified, or

(c)it was determined to have a terrorist connection.]

[F21(2A)Subsections (3) to (5) apply unless the terrorist prisoner's sentence was imposed—

(a)under section 205ZA or 210A of the 1995 Act (serious terrorism sentence or extended sentence for dangerous offenders),

(b)on or after the day on which section 28 of the Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 comes into force, and

(c)in respect of an offence that—

(i)is specified in Part 1 of Schedule 1A (terrorism offences punishable with imprisonment for life),

(ii)is a service offence as respects which the corresponding civil offence is so specified,

(iii)is specified in Part 3 of that Schedule (other offences punishable with imprisonment for life) and was determined to have a terrorist connection, or

(iv)is a service offence as respects which the corresponding civil offence is so specified, and was determined to have a terrorist connection.]

(3)The Scottish Ministers must refer the case of a terrorist prisoner to the Parole Board—

(a)as soon as the prisoner has served two-thirds of the prisoner's sentence, and

(b)where there has been a previous reference of the prisoner's case to the Parole Board under this subsection and the Parole Board did not recommend the prisoner's release, no later than the second anniversary of the disposal of that reference.

(4)As soon as the Parole Board has recommended the release of a terrorist prisoner under this section in pursuance of a referral under subsection (3), the Scottish Ministers must release the prisoner on licence.

(5)The Parole Board must not make a recommendation under subsection (4) unless it is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the terrorist prisoner should be confined.

[F22(5A)For the purposes of this section, an offence was determined to have a terrorist connection if it was—

(a)proved to have been aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection under section 31 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008, or

(b)determined to have a terrorist connection under—

(i)section 30 or 32 of that Act, or

(ii)section 69 of the Sentencing Code (including as applied by section 238(6) of the Armed Forces Act 2006),

(in the case of an offender sentenced in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, or for a service offence, but now subject to the provisions of this Part).

(5B)Subsection (4) is subject to sections 1A and 1B.]

(6)For the purposes of this section, “service offence” [F23and “corresponding civil offence”] have the same meanings as in the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 (see section 95 of that Act).

(7)This section is subject to section 8 of the Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Act 2020 (transitional provision for terrorist prisoners subject to supervised release orders).]

F25[1A Application to [F24certain] persons serving more than one sentence.S

[F26(1)]Where a prisoner has been sentenced to two or more terms of imprisonment which are wholly or partly concurrent and do not fall to be treated as a single term by virtue of section 27(5) of this Act—

(a)nothing in this Part of this Act shall require the Secretary of State to release him in respect of any of the terms unless and until the Secretary of State is required to release him in respect of each of the other terms;

(b)nothing in this Part of this Act shall require the Secretary of State or the Parole Board to consider his release in respect of any of the terms unless and until the Secretary of State or the Parole Board is required to consider his release, or the Secretary of State is required to release him, in respect of each of the other terms; and

(c)where he is released on licence under this Part of this Act [F27, other than on licence under section 3AA], he shall be on a single licence which—

(i)shall (unless revoked) remain in force until the date on which he would (but for his release) have served in full all the sentences in respect of which he has been so released; and

(ii)shall be subject to such conditions as may be specified [F28under] or required by this Part of this Act in respect of any of the sentences.

[F29(2)Where a prisoner who is serving any term of imprisonment receives a sentence of imprisonment or other detention for life, for an indeterminate period or without limit of time which is to take effect on the day after he would (but for the sentence so received) be entitled to be released from the term, nothing in this Part of this Act shall require—

(a)the Scottish Ministers to release him in respect of any such term unless and until they are required to release him in respect of the sentence so received; or

(b)the Scottish Ministers or the Parole Board to consider his release in respect of any such term unless and until the Scottish Ministers are or the Parole Board is required to consider his release, or the Scottish Ministers are required to release him, in respect of the sentence so received.]]

[F301BPrisoners serving consecutive sentences including at least one terrorism sentenceE+W+S

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a prisoner has been sentenced to two or more terms of imprisonment which are to be served consecutively on each other,

(b)one or more of the sentences (the “terrorism sentence”) was imposed in respect of an offence within section 1AB(2), and

(c)the sentences were imposed on the same occasion or, where they were imposed on different occasions, the prisoner has not been released under this Part at any time during the period beginning with the first and ending with the last of those occasions.

(2)If the prisoner is serving a terrorism sentence and a sentence imposed in respect of an offence that is not within section 1AB(2) (a “non-terrorism sentence”), the terrorism sentence is to be served (or, where subsection (7) applies, treated as being served) after the non-terrorism sentence irrespective of when the sentences were imposed.

(3)Where subsection (2) applies, the prisoner is to be taken to begin serving the custodial part of the terrorism sentence (or first such sentence) as soon as the prisoner has served the custodial part of the non-terrorism sentence.

(4)If (but for this section) the prisoner would have been released on licence under this Part in respect of a non-terrorism sentence, the period during which the prisoner would have been on licence under this Part is to be served concurrently with the custodial part of the terrorism sentence.

(5)The prisoner may not be released under this Part in respect of the terrorism sentence unless and until the prisoner has served the aggregate of—

(a)if the prisoner is serving a non-terrorism sentence, the custodial part of the sentence, and

(b)the custodial part of each terrorism sentence that the prisoner is serving.

(6)Subsection (7) applies where—

(a)a non-terrorism sentence is imposed on the prisoner (the “new sentence”), and

(b)the prisoner has already served part of the custodial part of a terrorism sentence (the “served part”).

(7)The prisoner is to be treated as having served—

(a)where the served part is less than the custodial part of the new sentence, such part of the custodial part of the new sentence as is equal to the served part,

(b)where the served part is equal to the custodial part of the new sentence, the custodial part of the new sentence,

(c)where the served part exceeds the custodial part of the new sentence—

(i)the custodial part of the new sentence, and

(ii)so much of the custodial part of the terrorism sentence as is equal to the amount by which the served part exceeds the custodial part of the new sentence.

(8)Nothing in this Part requires—

(a)the Scottish Ministers to release the prisoner in respect of any of the terms of imprisonment unless and until they are required to release the prisoner in respect of each of the other terms of imprisonment,

(b)the Scottish Ministers or the Parole Board to consider the prisoner's release in respect of any of the terms of imprisonment unless and until the Ministers are or the Board is required to consider the prisoner's release, or the Ministers are required to release the prisoner, in respect of each of the other terms.

(9)If the prisoner is released on licence under this Part the prisoner is to be on licence, on and after the release, until the prisoner would, but for the release, have served a term equal in length to the aggregate length of the term of imprisonment of any non-terrorism sentence and the term or, as the case may be, terms of imprisonment for the terrorism sentence or sentences less the period mentioned in subsection (10).

(10)The period is—

(a)any period served concurrently in accordance with subsection (4), and

(b)if (but for this section) the prisoner would have been released unconditionally under section 1(1) in respect of a non-terrorism sentence, the period equal to one-half of the term of that sentence.

(11)Where a prisoner to which this section applies is released on licence under this Part (other than a licence under section 3AA), the release is to be on a single licence which is to be subject to such conditions as may be specified or required by this Part in relation to all the sentences in respect of which the prisoner has been so released.

(12)In this section “custodial part”, in relation to a term of imprisonment means a period equal to the part of the term that (but for this section) the prisoner would be required to serve before—

(a)the Scottish Ministers are required to release the prisoner under this Part, or

(b)the Parole Board is first entitled under this Part to make a recommendation that the prisoner be released on licence under this Part.

(13)In this section—

(a)references to a non-terrorism sentence include references to two or more such sentences that are treated as a single term by virtue of section 27(5) (whether imposed before, after or both before and after a terrorism sentence), and

(b)where subsection (7) applies, the references in that subsection to the “custodial part of the new sentence” include references to the custodial part of the single term.

(14)This section applies to a prisoner on whom sentence was imposed before the day on which paragraph 52(6) of Schedule 13 to the Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 came into force as it applies to a prisoner on whom sentence was imposed on or after that day.]

2 Duty to release discretionary life prisoners.S

F31[(1)In this Part of this Act “ F32. . . life prisoner”, F33. . . except where the context otherwise requires, means a person—

(a)sentenced to life imprisonment for an offence for which, subject to paragraph (b) below, such a sentence is not the sentence fixed by law; [F34or

F34(aa)sentenced to life imprisonment for murder or for any other offence for which that sentence is the sentence fixed by law;]][F35 or

(ab)who is subject to an order for lifelong restriction in respect of an offence,]

(b)whose sentence was imposed under section 205A(2) of the 1995 Act (imprisonment for life on further conviction for certain offences); F36. . .

F36(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

and in respect of whom the court whichsentenced him for that offence made the order mentioned in subsection (2) below.

(2)The order referred to in [F37subsection (1)] above is an order that subsections (4) and (6) below shall apply to the F32. . . life prisoner as soon as he has served such part of his sentence ([F38the punishment part]) as is specified in the order, being [F39, subject to section 205ZB(2) of the 1995 Act,] such part as the court considers appropriate [F40to satisfy the requirements for retribution and deterrence F41...,] taking into account—

(a)the seriousness of the offence, or of the offence combined with other offences [F42of which the life prisoner is convicted on the same indictment as that offence]; F43. . .

F44(aa). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)any previous conviction of the F32. . . life prisoner [F45; F44...

(c)where appropriate [F46(and except in the case of a prisoner to whom section 205ZB of the 1995 Act applies)], the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 196(1) of the 1995 Act][F47; and

(d)in the case of a life prisoner to whom paragraph (a) or (ab) of subsection (1) above applies, the matters mentioned in section 2A(1).]

[F48(2A)The matters mentioned in subsection (2)(a) to (c) above (taken together) are for the case of a life prisoner to whom paragraph (aa) of subsection (1) above applies; and, as respects the punishment part in the case of such a prisoner, the court is to ignore any period of confinement which may be necessary for the protection of the public.]

[F49(3)A court which imposes life imprisonment for an offence such as is mentioned in subsection (1) above [F50or makes an order for lifelong restriction] shall make such order as is mentioned in subsection (2) above and such order shall constitute part of a person’s sentence within the meaning of the 1995 Act for the purposes of any appeal or review.

(3A)An order such as is mentioned in subsection (2) above—

(a)shall specify the period that the court considers appropriate under that subsection in years and months; and

(b)may specify any such period of years and months notwithstanding the likelihood that such a period will exceed the remainder of the prisoner’s natural life.]

(4)Where this subsection applies, the Secretary of State shall, if directed to do so by the Parole Board, release a F32. . . life prisoner on licence.

(5)The Parole Board shall not give a direction under subsection (4) above unless—

(a)the Secretary of State has referred the prisoner’s case to the Board; and

(b)the Board is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the prisoner should be confined.

[F51(5A)Where, on the disposal of any reference of a life prisoner’s case under section 28(4) of the 1989 Act, under subsection (5)(a) above, subsection (5C) or (6) below or section 17(3) of this Act or under paragraph 34, 38 or 42 of the schedule to the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 7), the Parole Board declines to direct that the prisoner be released on licence, it shall—

(a)give the prisoner reasons in writing for the decision not to direct his release on licence; and

(b)fix the date when it will next consider the prisoner’s case under this section, being [F52, subject to subsections (5AB) to (5AD) below,] a date not later than two years after the date of its decision to decline to direct the release of the prisoner.

[F53(5AB)Where a reference has been made to the Parole Board under any of the provisions mentioned in subsection (5A) above and the prisoner receives another sentence of imprisonment (whether for life or for a term) before a date has been fixed for considering his case, the Board shall, if he would not be eligible for release from the other sentence on the date which would (apart from this subsection) have been fixed for considering his case, fix a date (other than that date) for considering his case.

(5AC)Where, at any time after such a reference has been made—

(a)a date has been fixed for considering the prisoner’s case; or

(b)following the disposal of the reference, a date has been fixed under subsection (5A)(b) above,

and, before that date, the prisoner receives any other sentence of imprisonment (whether for life or for a term), the Board shall, if he would not be eligible for release from any such other sentence on that date, fix a different date for considering his case (and where he receives any further sentence of imprisonment from which he would not be eligible for release on that different date, the Board shall fix a further different date).

(5AD)Any date fixed under subsection (5AB) or (5AC) above shall—

(a)be—

(i)the date on which the prisoner would be eligible to be released, or considered for release, from all such other sentences (subject to any change to the date on which he would be so eligible); or

(ii)a date as soon as practicable after that date; and

(b)replace any date previously fixed for considering the prisoner’s case.]

(5B)The Scottish Ministers shall refer the case of a life prisoner to the Parole Board so as to enable it to consider the case on the date fixed by the Board under subsection (5A)(b) [F54, (5AB) or (5AC)] above.

(5C)The Parole Board, at the request of a life prisoner in respect of whom it has, under subsection (5A)(b) [F54, (5AB) or (5AC)] above, fixed the date of the next consideration of his case, may direct the Scottish Ministers to refer that case to the Board before that date.]

(6)Where this subsection applies, a F32. . . life prisoner may, subject to [F55subsections (6B) and (7)] below, F56. . . require the Secretary of State to refer his case to the Parole Board.

[F57(6A)The Scottish Ministers shall not refer the case of a life prisoner to the Parole Board under subsection (6) above if—

(a)they have previously so referred his case to the Board under that subsection;

(b)they have referred his case to the Board without the prisoner requiring them to do so under that subsection; or

(c)the Parole Board has, on a reference to it under section 28(4) of the 1989 Act, under section 17(3) of this Act or under paragraph 34, 38 or 42 of the schedule to the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 7), declined to direct that the prisoner be released on licence.]

[F58(6B)No requirement may be made under subsection (6) by a life prisoner who is also serving or liable to serve a sentence of imprisonment in respect of an offence within section 1AB(2)—

(a)in the case of a prisoner to whom section 1AB(3) applies, before the day on which the Scottish Ministers are required to refer the prisoner's case to the Parole Board under section 1AB(3), or

(b)in the case of a prisoner to whom section 1AB(3) does not apply by virtue of section 1AB(2A), before the day on which the Scottish Ministers are required to release the prisoner under section 26ZA(5).]

[F59(7)No requirement shall be made under subsection (6) above by a life prisoner [F60 (other than a prisoner to whom subsection (6B) applies) ] who is also serving or liable to serve a sentence of imprisonment for a term, before he has served the appropriate part of the term.

(7A)The appropriate part of the term is—

(a)one half, where the term is—

(i)less than 4 years; or

(ii)4 years or more and is imposed by a sentence of imprisonment on conviction of an offence; or

(b)two thirds, where the term is 4 years or more and is a term of imprisonment or detention mentioned in section 5(1)(a) or (b) of this Act.

(7B)Section 5(1) of this Act, in so far as relating to the construction of references to sentences of imprisonment, does not apply to subsection (7A)(b) above.]

(8)In determining for the purposes of subsection (4) or (6) above whether a F32. . . life prisoner has served the [F61punishment] part of his sentence, no account shall be taken of any time during which he was unlawfully at large.

(9)Where a life prisoner is serving [F62or is liable to serve] two or more sentences of imprisonment for life—

F63(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)notwithstanding the terms of any order under subsection (2) above, subsections (4) and (6) above shall not apply to him until he has served the [F61punishment] part of each of those sentences; and

(c)he shall, if released on licence under subsection (4) above, be so released on a single licence.

[F64(10)In subsection (9) above, the reference to “sentences of imprisonment for life” is to be construed as including a reference to any sentence constituted by an order for lifelong restriction.]

[F652ARules for section 2(2)(d) casesE+W+S

(1)For the purpose of section 2(2)(d), the matters are—

(a)any period of imprisonment which the court considers would have been appropriate for the offence had the court not sentenced the prisoner to imprisonment for life, or (as the case may be) not made the order for lifelong restriction, for it,

(b)the part of that period of imprisonment which would represent an appropriate period to satisfy the requirements of retribution and deterrence, and

(c)where appropriate, the ones mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 196(1) of the 1995 Act.

(2)But—

(a)in the application of subsection (1)(a), the court is to ignore any period of confinement which may be necessary for the protection of the public,

(b)subsection (1)(b) is subject to section 2B,

(c)subsection (1)(c) is inapplicable until the court has made the assessment required by virtue of subsection (1)(a) and (b).

2BAssessment under section 2A(1)(a) and (b)E+W+S

(1)[F66Subject to section 205ZB(2) of the 1995 Act,] the part mentioned in subsection (1)(b) of section 2A in relation to the period mentioned in subsection (1)(a) of that section is—

(a)one-half of that period, or

(b)if subsection (2) applies, such greater proportion of that period as the court specifies.

(2)This subsection applies if, taking into account in particular the matters mentioned in subsection (5), the court considers that it would be appropriate to specify as that part a greater proportion of that period.

(3)In subsections (1)(b) and (2), the references to a greater proportion extend so as to include the whole of that period.

(4)In subsections (1) to (3), the references to the period mentioned in subsection (1)(a) of section 2A are to that period as informed by subsection (2)(a) of that section.

(5)For the purpose of subsection (2), the matters are (continuing to ignore any period of confinement which may be necessary for the protection of the public)—

(a)the seriousness of the offence, or of the offence combined with other offences of which the prisoner is convicted on the same indictment as that offence,

(b)where the offence was committed when the prisoner was serving a period of imprisonment for another offence, that fact, and

(c)any previous conviction of the prisoner.]

3 Power to release prisoners on compassionate grounds.S

(1)The Secretary of State may at any time, if satisfied that there are compassionate grounds justifying the release of a person serving a sentence of imprisonment, release him on licence.

(2)Before so releasing any long-term prisoner or any life prisoner, the Secretary of State shall consult the Parole Board unless the circumstances are such as to render consultation impracticable.

(3)The release of a person under subsection (1) above shall not constitute release for the purpose of a supervised release order.

[F673AAFurther powers to release prisonersE+W+S

(1)Subject to subsections (2) to (5) below, the Scottish Ministers may release on licence under this section—

(a)a short-term prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment for a term of three months or more; or

(b)a long-term prisoner whose release on having served one-half of his sentence has been recommended by the Parole Board.

(2)The power in subsection (1) above is not to be exercised before the prisoner has served [F68one quarter of the prisoner's sentence].

(3)Without prejudice to subsection (2) above, the power in subsection (1) above is to be exercised only during that period of [F69166 days] which ends on the day 14 days before that on which the prisoner will have served one half of his sentence.

(4)In exercising the power conferred by subsection (1) above, the Scottish Ministers must have regard to considerations of—

(a)protecting the public at large;

(b)preventing re-offending by the prisoner; and

(c)securing the successful re-integration of the prisoner into the community.

(5)Subsection (1) above does not apply where—

(a)the prisoner's sentence was imposed under section 210A of the 1995 Act;

(b)the prisoner is subject to a supervised release order made under section 209 of that Act;

(c)the prisoner is subject to a hospital direction imposed under section 59A of that Act or a transfer for treatment direction made under section 136(2) of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13);

(d)the prisoner is subject to the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42);

(e)the prisoner is liable to removal from the United Kingdom (within the meaning of section 9 of this Act);

F70(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F70(g). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)The Scottish Ministers may by order do any or all of the following—

(a)amend the number of months for the time being specified in subsection (1)(a) above;

[F71(b)amend a period for the time being specified in subsection (2) above (which may be done by amending the subsection to describe a period as a particular length of time or a proportion of a prisoner's sentence),]

(c)amend a number of days for the time being specified in subsection (3) above;

(d)amend any paragraph of subsection (5) above, add a further paragraph to that subsection or repeal any of its paragraphs.]

[F72(7)For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this section requires the Parole Board to make a decision by a particular date about whether to recommend that a long-term prisoner be released having served one-half of the prisoner's sentence.]

[F73(8)This section does not apply in relation to a person to whom section 1AB applies.]

[F743A Re-release of prisoners serving [F75certain terrorism sentences and] extended sentences.S

(1)[F76Subject to subsection (1A) below,] this section applies to a prisoner serving [F77a sentence mentioned in subsection (1ZA)] [F78and in respect of whom a licence has been revoked under section 17(1) to (1B)] of this Act.

[F79(1ZA)The sentences are—

(a)a sentence imposed under section 205ZA of the 1995 Act (serious terrorism sentence);

(b)a sentence imposed under section 205ZC of that Act (terrorism sentence with fixed licence period);

(c)an extended sentence under section 210A of that Act.]

[F80(1A)This section does not apply to such a prisoner if he has, in addition to the sentence in relation to which his recall to prison applies, been sentenced to imprisonment for life and has not been released from that sentence.]

(2)Subject to subsection (3) below, a prisoner to whom this section applies may require the Secretary of State to refer his case to the Parole Board—

(a)where his case has previously been referred to the Parole Board under this section or section 17(3) of this Act, not less than one year following the [F81Board’s disposal of his case];

(b)in any other case, at any time.

[F82(2A)Where—

(a)a prisoner’s case has been referred to the Parole Board under this section or section 17(3) of this Act; and

(b)the prisoner receives another sentence of imprisonment before the Board has considered his case,

the Board shall not consider his case unless there is a further referral of his case to the Board under this section.

(2B)A case which, by virtue of subsection (2A) above, is not considered by the Parole Board shall not, for the purposes of subsection (2)(a) above, be treated as having been disposed of.]

(3)Where a prisoner to whom this section applies is subject to another sentence which is not treated as a single [F83term] with [F84the sentence under section 205ZA or, as the case may be, section 205ZC or] the extended sentence, the Secretary of State shall not be required to refer his case to the Parole Board before he [F85would be eligible to be released, or considered for release, from] that other sentence.

(4)Where the case of a prisoner to whom this section applies is referred to the Parole Board under this section or section 17(3) of this Act, the Board shall,

[F86(a)where—

(i)the prisoner is serving a sentence imposed under section 205ZA or 205ZC of the 1995 Act or an extended sentence under section 210A of that Act in respect of a terrorism offence, and

(ii)the Board is satisfied that the condition in subsection (4A) is met (but not otherwise),

direct that the prisoner should be released;

(b)where—

(i)the prisoner is serving an extended sentence under section 210A of that Act in respect of a sexual or violent offence, and

(ii)the Board is satisfied that the condition in subsection (4B) is met (but not otherwise),

direct that the prisoner should be released.]

[F87(4A)The condition is that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the prisoner should be confined.

(4B)The condition is that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public from serious harm that the prisoner should be confined.]

(5)If the Parole Board gives a direction under subsection (4) above, the Secretary of State shall release the prisoner on licence.]

4 Persons detained under Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984.S

(1)Notwithstanding that a transfer [F88for treatment direction under section 136(2) of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13) is made] in respect of a person serving a sentence of imprisonment, this Part of this Act shall apply to the person as if he continued to serve that sentence while detained in, and as if he had not been removed to, hospital.

[F89(1A)This Part of this Act shall apply to a person conveyed to and detained in a hospital pursuant to a hospital direction under section 59A of the 1995 Act as if, while so detained, he was serving the sentence of imprisonment imposed on him at the time at which that direction was made.]

(2)F90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)F90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 Fine defaulters and persons in contempt of court.S

(1)Subject to [F91sections 1(8) and 2(7B)] of this Act and to subsections (2) [F92to (4)] below, this Part of this Act (except sections [F933AA,] 1(3), 16 and 27(5)) applies to a person on whom imprisonment, or as the case may be detention in a young offenders institution, has been imposed—

[F94(a)under section 219 of the 1995 Act (imprisonment for non-payment of fine or, by virtue of that section, under section 207 of that Act (detention of young offenders);] or

(b)for contempt of court,

as it applies to a person sentenced to imprisonment, or on whom detention has been imposed, on conviction of an offence; and references in this Part of this Act to prisoners (whether short-term or long-term), or to prison, imprisonment, detention or sentences of imprisonment shall be construed accordingly.

(2)[F95Subject to [F96section 1B],] where section 1(1) or (2) of this Act applies to a person by virtue of subsection (1) above, that section shall be construed as requiring the Secretary of State to release the person unconditionally as soon as, in the case of—

(a)a short-term prisoner, he has served one-half of his term of imprisonment; or

(b)a long-term prisoner, he has served two-thirds of his term of imprisonment,

and if during the term in question the prisoner is [F97released on licence under section 3 of this Act and, subsequently, the licence is revoked under section 17(1), (1A) or (1B)] thereof, the period during which he is thereby lawfully at large shall be taken, for the purposes of paragraph (a) or (b) above, to be a period of imprisonment served.

F98(2A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)Notwithstanding subsection (1) above, section 11 of this Act shall not apply to a person to whom this Part of this Act applies by virtue of that subsection but whose release on licence is under section 3 of this Act; and that licence shall (unless revoked) remain in force only until the date on which, by virtue of subsection (2) above, his release would have been required had he not been released earlier.

F99[(4)Where a person has had imposed on him two or more terms of imprisonment or detention mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) above, sections 1A [F100, 1B] and 27(5) of this Act shall apply to those terms as if they were terms of imprisonment.]

6 Application to young offenders and to children detained without limit of time.S

(1)This Part of this Act applies—

[F101(a)to—

(i)persons on whom detention in a young offenders institution has been imposed under section 205ZA(6) of the 1995 Act,

(ii)persons on whom detention in a young offenders institution has been imposed under section 205ZC(4) of that Act, and

(iii)persons on whom detention in a young offenders institution (other than detention without limit of time or for life) has been imposed under section 207(2) of that Act,

as the Part applies to persons serving equivalent sentences of imprisonment;]

(b)to—

(i)persons sentenced under [F102section 205(1) to (3)] of that Act to be detained without limit of time or for life;

(ii)children sentenced to be detained without limit of time under [F103section 208] of that Act; and

(iii)persons on whom detention without limit of time or for life is imposed under [F104section 207(2)] of that Act,

as the Part applies to persons sentenced to imprisonment for life,

and references in the Part (except in this section, sections 1(8) and 5(1) and paragraph 1(b) of Schedule 1) to prisoners (whether short-term, long-term or life) or to prison, imprisonment or sentences of imprisonment shall be construed accordingly.

F105(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F105(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 Children detained in solemn proceedings.S

(1)Where a child is detained under [F106section 208] of the [F1071995 Act] (detention of children convicted on indictment) and the period specified in the sentence—

(a)is less than four years, he shall be released on licence by the Secretary of State as soon as (following commencement of the sentence) half the period so specified has elapsed;

(b)is of four or more years, he shall be so released as soon as (following such commencement) two thirds of the period so specified has elapsed [F108unless he has before that time been so released, in relation to that sentence, under any provision of this Act].

[F109(1A)The Secretary of State may by order provide—

(a)that the reference to—

(i)four years, in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) above; or

(ii)four or more years, in paragraph (b) of that subsection,

shall be construed as a reference to such other period as may be specified in the order;

(b)that the reference to—

(i)half, in the said paragraph (a); or

(ii)two thirds, in the said paragraph (b),

shall be construed as a reference to such other proportion of the period specified in the sentence as may be specified in the order.

(1B)An order under subsection (1A) above may make such transitional provision as appears to the Secretary of State necessary or expedient in connection with any provision made by the order.]

(2)A child detained under [F106section 208] of the [F1071995 Act] or in pursuance of an order under subsection (3) below [F110shall], on the recommendation of the Parole Board made at any time, be released on licence by the Secretary of State.

[F111(2A)This subsection applies where a child detained under section 208 of the 1995 Act is sentenced, while so detained, to a determinate term of detention in a young offenders institution or imprisonment and, by virtue of section 27(5) of this Act, such terms of detention or imprisonment are treated as single term.

(2B)In a case where subsection (2A) applies and the single term mentioned in that subsection is less than four years, the provisions of this section shall apply.

(2C)In a case where subsection (2A) applies and the single term mentioned in that subsection is of four or more years—

(a)section 6 of this Act shall apply to him as if the single term were an equivalent sentence of detention in a young offenders institution, if that term is served in such an institution; and

(b)the provisions of this Act shall apply to him as if the single term were an equivalent sentence of imprisonment, if that term is served in a remand centre or a prison.]

(3)If, after release under subsection (1) or (2) above [F112or, as the case may be, section 1AB(4) or 26ZA(5)(a)] and before the date on which the entire period specified in the sentence elapses (following commencement of the sentence) [F113or, as the case may be, before the date on which the sentence under section 205ZC(5) as originally imposed by the court expires], a child commits an offence in respect of which it is competent to impose imprisonment on a person aged 21 years or more (other than an offence in respect of which imprisonment for life is mandatory) and, whether before or after that date, pleads guilty to or is found guilty of it a court may, instead of or in addition to making any other order in respect of that plea or finding—

(a)in a case other than that mentioned in paragraph (b) below, order that he be returned to detention for the whole or any part of the period which—

(i)begins with the date of the order for his return; and

(ii)is equal in length to the period between the date on which the new offence was committed and the date on which that entire period so elapses [F114or, as the case may be, the sentence under section 205ZC(5) expires]; and

(b)in a case where that court is inferior to the court which imposed the sentence, refer the case to the superior court in question; and a court to which a case is so referred may make such order with regard to it as is mentioned in paragraph (a) above.

(4)The period for which a child is ordered under subsection (3) above to be returned to detention—

(a)shall be taken to be a sentence of detention for the purposes of this Act and of any appeal; and

(b)shall, as the court making that order may direct, either be served before and be followed by, or be served concurrently with, any sentence imposed for the new offence (being in either case disregarded in determining the appropriate length of that sentence).

F115(4A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F116(5)Without prejudice to section 6(1)(b)(ii) of this Act—

(a)sections [F1171AB,] 3, 11(1), 12, 12A, 12B, 17 [F118, 20(2) and 26ZA] of this Act apply to children [F119on whom detention has been imposed under section 205ZC(5) of the 1995 Act and children detained under section 208 of that] as they apply to long-term prisoners [F120(but subject to the modifications of section 26ZA in subsection (5A))];

[F121(aa)sections 3A and 3B of this Act apply to children on whom detention has been imposed under section 205ZC(5) of the 1995 Act as they apply to long-term prisoners;] and

(b)in those sections of this Act, references to prisoners, or to prison, imprisonment or sentences of imprisonment shall be construed, and sections 1A [F122, 1B] and 27 shall apply, accordingly.]

[F123(5A)The modifications are that section 26ZA is to be read as if—

(a)subsection (9) were omitted, and

(b)subsection (10)(a) related to section 1A(1)(c) only.]

(6)F124. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7)In the foregoing provisions of this section any reference to a child being detained does not include a reference to his being detained without limit of time.

[F125(8)This section (other than [F126subsections (2) and (3) to (7)]) does not apply in relation to a person to whom section 1AB applies [F127to the extent that detention is imposed on the person under section 205ZC(5) of the 1995 Act.]]

[F128(9)This section is subject to section 1B.]

F1298. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S

9 Persons liable to removal from the United Kingdom.S

F130(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F131(1A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2)In relation to a person who is liable to removal from the United Kingdom, section 12 of this Act shall have effect as if subsection (2) were omitted.

(3)For the purposes of this section, a person is liable to removal from the United Kingdom if he—

(a)is liable to deportation under section 3(5) of the M1Immigration Act 1971 and has been notified of a decision to make a deportation order against him;

(b)is liable to deportation under section 3(6) of that Act;

(c)has been notified of a decision to refuse him leave to enter the United Kingdom; F132. . .

(d)is an illegal [F133entrant] within the meaning of section 33(1) of that Act;[F134 or

(e)if he is liable to removal under section 10 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33).]

10 Life prisoners transferred to Scotland.S

[F135(1)This Part of this Act, except section 2(9), shall apply to a transferred life prisoner (whether transferred before or after the commencement of this enactment or section 3 of the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 7)) who is a life prisoner—

(a)transferred from England and Wales and to whom—

F136(i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii)section 82A (determination of tariffs) of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 (c.6) (in this section, “the 2000 Act”) applies and in respect of whom the court has made an order under section 82A(2) of that Act; [F137 or

(iii)subsections (5) to (8) of section 28 (early release of life prisoners to whom that section applies) of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (c. 43) (in this section, the “1997 Act”) apply by virtue of an order made under section 28(2)(b) of that Act (while that provision was in force) or an order made under section 269(2) of, or paragraph 3(1)(a) of Schedule 22 to, the Criminal Justice Act 2003; [F138or

(iv)a minimum term order made under section 321 of the Sentencing Code applies;]]

(b)transferred from the Isle of Man and to whom paragraph 4(1) (discretionary life detainees) of Schedule 2 to the Custody Act 1995 (c.1) applies (that Act being an Act of the Tynwald of the Isle of Man to re-enact with amendments certain enactments relating to the custody of offenders and others; to make fresh provision for such custody; and for connected purposes: in this section “the Isle of Man Custody Act”); or

(c)transferred from Northern Ireland and to whom a provision such as is mentioned in subsection (1A) below applies,

as if the prisoner were a life prisoner within the meaning of section 2 of this Act and the punishment part of his sentence within the meaning of that section were the relevant part specified in an order made under the said section [F13982A(2), 28(2)(b) or 269(2) or paragraph 3(1)(a) or] 4(1) or made under a provision such as is mentioned in subsection (1A) below, as the case may be.

[F140(1AA)This Part of this Act, except section 2(9), applies also to a transferred life prisoner—

(a)who is transferred from England and Wales on or after the date on which section 269 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 comes into force,

(b)in relation to whom paragraph 3 of Schedule 22 to that Act applies by virtue of paragraph 2(a) of that Schedule, but

(c)in respect of whom, under the paragraph so applying, no order has been made,

as if the prisoner were a life prisoner within the meaning of section 2 of this Act and the punishment part of his sentence within the meaning of that section were the notified minimum term defined by paragraph 3(4) of that Schedule.]

(1A)The provision referred to in paragraph (c) of subsection (1) above is—

(a)a provision made by Order in Council under section 85 (provisions dealing with certain reserved matters) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (c.47), where that provision is to the effect that a court in Northern Ireland sentencing a person to imprisonment for life may make an order that early release provisions shall apply to the person as soon as he has served the part of his sentence specified in the order; or

(b)any provision to that effect, including one made as described in paragraph (a) above, identified by the Scottish Ministers by order made by statutory instrument.

[F141(2)In the case of any other transferred life prisoner, being one whose transfer occurred after the coming into force of section 3 of the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 7), subsection (3) below applies where the court, following a hearing under subsection (2J) below, makes an order under that subsection specifying a part of the sentence which the court considers would have been specified as the punishment part under subsection (2) of section 2 of this Act if—

(a)the prisoner had been sentenced for the offence in Scotland; and

(b)that section (as amended by section 3 of the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Act 2001) had been in force at the time when the prisoner was sentenced.

(2A)The Scottish Ministers shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the transferred life prisoner is transferred to Scotland, refer the case of the transferred life prisoner to the High Court of Justiciary for a hearing under subsection (2J) below.

(2B)The Scottish Ministers shall not so refer the case of a transferred life prisoner if the prisoner—

(a)has, under subsection (2C) below, waived the entitlement to such a hearing; or

(b)has served the part of the sentence specified in the certificate or direction referred to in subsection (2D) below

[F142and in such a case subsection (3) below applies].

(2C)A transferred life prisoner in respect of whom a certificate or direction referred to in subsection (2D) below has been issued or made may waive the entitlement to a hearing under subsection (2J) below provided—

(a)the prisoner has had independent legal advice or has declined such advice; and

(b)a copy in writing of the waiver is sent to the Scottish Ministers.

(2D)The certificate or direction referred to in subsection (2B)(b) above is—

(a)a certificate issued under—

(i)section 48 of or paragraph 9 of Schedule 12 to the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c.53); or

(ii)section 33 of the 1997 Act;

(b)a direction of the Secretary of State made under—

(i)section 28(4) of the 1997 Act; or

(ii)section 82A(5) of the 2000 Act; or

(c)such other certificate or direction as the Scottish Ministers may, by order made by statutory instrument, specify.

(2E)Notwithstanding subsection (2A) above, a transferred life prisoner—

(a)who has not, under subsection (2C) above, waived the entitlement to a hearing; or

(b)who has not served the part of the sentence specified in the certificate or direction referred to in subsection (2D) above issued in respect of that prisoner,

may, after his transfer to Scotland, refer his case for a hearing under subsection (2J) below.

(2F)The Scottish Ministers shall, no later than two weeks after the referral of a transferred life prisoner’s case under subsection (2A) or (2E) above, send the documents and other information mentioned in subsection (2G) below to—

(a)the High Court of Justiciary;

(b)the Lord Advocate; and

(c)the transferred life prisoner.

(2G)The documents and other information referred to in subsection (2F) above are—

(a)a copy of the indictment or any corresponding document;

(b)subject to subsection (2H) below, a copy of any report by the trial judge;

(c)a copy of any certificate or direction referred to in subsection (2D) above; and

(d)any other documents or information which the Scottish Ministers consider relevant.

(2H)A report prepared by the trial judge—

(a)may be sent under subsection (2F) above notwithstanding that it was prepared on the basis that it would not be disclosed to the transferred life prisoner; and

(b)shall be so sent for the purposes only of the hearing under subsection (2J) below.

(2J)There shall be a hearing at which the High Court of Justiciary shall make the order referred to in subsection (2K) below.

(2K)That order is an order specifying a part of the sentence which the court considers would have been specified as the punishment part under subsection (2) of section 2 of this Act, if—

(a)the prisoner had been sentenced for the offence in Scotland; and

(b)that section (as amended by the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland)) Act 2001 (asp 7)) had been in force at the time when the prisoner was sentenced.

(2L)The court, in considering the case of a transferred life prisoner—

(a)who is serving more than one sentence of imprisonment for life; and

(b)two or more of whose life sentences were imposed in proceedings on a single indictment,

shall, in making the order under subsection (2J) above, proceed as if the prisoner had been sentenced in Scotland and section 205D (only one sentence of imprisonment for life to be imposed in any proceedings) of the 1995 Act had been in force at the time the prisoner was sentenced.

(2M)Such a transferred life prisoner who, before being transferred to Scotland, had been released on licence, otherwise than on compassionate grounds, shall be deemed to have been released on licence under section 2(4) of this Act as if the transferred life prisoner had been a life prisoner to whom that section applied and who had served the punishment part of his sentence.

(2N)The reference in this section to a transferred life prisoner’s release on compassionate grounds has the same meaning as that reference has in section 10A of this Act.

(2P)The court shall pronounce the order under subsection (2J) above in open court.

(2Q)If the court is satisfied that the transferred life prisoner is incapable of properly instructing a solicitor in relation to the hearing under subsection (2J) above, whether or not the prisoner has so instructed a solicitor, it shall not make the order under that subsection.

(2R)If the Scottish Ministers are satisfied that the prisoner is no longer incapable of instructing a solicitor in relation to the hearing under subsection (2J) above, they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, refer the case of the prisoner to the court for such a hearing.

(2S)In this section—

• “incapable” means incapable by reason of mental disorder or of inability to communicate because of physical disability; but a person shall not fall within this definition by reason only of a lack or deficiency in a faculty of communication if that lack or deficiency can be made good by human or mechanical aid (whether of an interpretative nature or otherwise); and

• “mental disorder” has the same meaning as it has in section 87 of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 (asp 4).

(2T)Nothing in this section shall be taken as preventing a prisoner, in respect of whom the court declined, under subsection (2Q) above, to make the order under subsection (2J) above, from again referring his case for a hearing under subsection (2J) above.

(2U)A hearing under subsection (2J) above shall be criminal procedure for the purposes of section 305 of the 1995 Act (power of High Court of Justiciary to regulate criminal procedure by Act of Adjournal).]

(3)In a case to which this subsection applies [F143(whether by virtue of subsection (2) above or of subsection (2B) above)], this Part of this Act except [F144section 2(9)] shall apply as if—

(a)the transferred life prisoner were a F145. . . life prisoner within the meaning of section 2 of this Act; and

(b)the [F146punishment] part of his sentence within the meaning of that section were the part specified in the [F147order under subsection (2J) above] [F148or as the case may be in the certificate or direction referred to in subsection (2D) above].

(4)In this section “transferred life prisoner” means a person—

(a)on whom a court in a country or territory outside Scotland [F149or a court-martial] has [F150(whether before or after the commencement of this section)] imposed one or more sentences of imprisonment or detention for an indeterminate period; and

(b)who has been transferred to Scotland [F151[F152, or in the case of a sentence imposed by a court martial in Scotland to a prison in Scotland (in either case whether] before or after that commencement)], in pursuance of—

(i)an order made by the Secretary of State under [F153paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997] [F154, other than an order for a restricted transfer within the meaning of paragraph 6(1) of that Schedule to that Act,]or section 2 of the M2Colonial Prisoners Removal Act 1884; or

[F155(ia)a decision of the Secretary of State under section 80 (removal of patients to Scotland) of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c.20) authorising the prisoner’s removal to Scotland from England and Wales; or

[F156(ib)a decision of the responsible authority under article 6 (removal to Scotland of patients to Northern Ireland) of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2005 M3 authorising the prisoner's removal to Scotland from Northern Ireland]]

(ii)a warrant issued by the Secretary of State under the M4Repatriation of Prisoners Act 1984, [F157; or

(iii)rules made under section 122(1)(a) of the M5Army Act 1955 (imprisonment and detention rules); or

(iv)rules made under section 122(1)(a) of the M6Air Force Act 1955 (imprisonment and detention rules); or

(v)a determination made under section 81(3) of the M7Naval Discipline Act 1957 (place of imprisonment or detention),]

there to serve, or to serve the remainder of, his sentence or sentences [F158; and in this subsection “prison” has the same meaning as in the 1989 Act.].

[F159(4A)The reference in subsection (4)(b) above to a person who has been transferred to Scotland in pursuance of a warrant under the Repatriation of Prisoners Act 1984 includes a reference to a person who is detained in Scotland in pursuance of a warrant issued by the Scottish Ministers under section 4A of that Act (warrant transferring responsibility for detention and release of offender).

(4B)Such a person is to be taken to have been transferred when the warrant under section 4A of that Act was issued in respect of that person.]

(5)Where a transferred life prisoner has been transferred to Scotland to serve the whole or part of two or more sentences referred to in subsection (4)(a) above—

(a)he shall be treated as a F160. . . life prisoner (within the meaning of section 2 of this Act) for the purposes of subsection (3) above only if the requirements of subsection (2) above are satisfied in respect of each of those sentences; and

(b)notwithstanding the terms of any order under [F161the said section [F16228(2)] of the [F163the 1997 Act]] [F164section 82A(2) of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 (c.6), [F165section 269(2) of, or paragraph 3(1)(a) of Schedule 22 to, the Criminal Justice Act 2003,] [F166section 321(2) of the Sentencing Code or] paragraph 4(1) of Schedule 2 to the Isle of Man Custody Act or under a provision such as is mentioned in subsection (1A) above relating to Northern Ireland] or of any [F167order under subsection (2J)] above, subsections (4) and (6) of section 2 of this Act shall not apply to him until he has served the [F168punishment] part of each of those sentences.]

[F16910A Transfer of supervision of life prisonersS

(1)This section applies to a life prisoner released on licence in respect of whom, whether before or after the coming into force of section 3 of the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 7), an order was made under paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (c.43) transferring responsibility for his supervision to the Scottish Ministers and ordering that the supervision or, as the case may be, the remainder of it be undergone in Scotland, that order being an unrestricted transfer within the meaning of paragraph 6(1) of that Schedule.

(2)This Part of this Act—

(a)shall apply to such a life prisoner, except one released on compassionate grounds, as if that prisoner had served the punishment part of his life sentence and had been released on licence under section 2(4) of this Act;

(b)shall apply to such a life prisoner released on compassionate grounds as if that prisoner had been released on licence under section 3 of this Act.

(3)If, in the case of such a life prisoner released on compassionate grounds—

(a)the Scottish Ministers revoke that life prisoner’s licence and recall him to prison under section 17(1) of this Act; and

(b)the Parole Board does not, under section 17(4) of this Act, direct that he be F170... released on licence,

section 10 of this Act shall apply to the life prisoner as it applies to a transferred life prisoner within the meaning of section 10 whose transfer occurred after the coming into force of section 3 of the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Act 2001.

(4)References in this section to a life prisoner’s release on compassionate grounds are references to his release under section 30 of the 1997 Act or under equivalent provision made for Northern Ireland such as is mentioned in subsection (5) below.

(5)The provision referred to in subsection (4) above is—

(a)a provision made by Order in Council under section 85 (provisions dealing with certain reserved matters) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (c.47) governing the release of life prisoners on compassionate grounds; or

(b)any provision to that effect, including one made as described in paragraph (a) above, identified by the Scottish Ministers by order made by statutory instrument.]

11 Duration of licence.S

(1)Where a long-term prisoner is released on licence under this Part of this Act, the licence shall (unless revoked) remain in force until the entire period specified in his sentence (reckoned from the commencement of the sentence) has elapsed.

(2)Where a life prisoner is so released, the licence shall (unless revoked) remain in force until his death.

(3)Without prejudice to any order under [F171section 209] of the [F1721995 Act], where a short-term prisoner is released on licence—

(a)under section 3(1) of this Act, the licence shall (unless revoked) remain in force until

[F173(i)in the case of a person to whom section 1AB applies, the date on which, but for such release, the entire period specified in the prisoner's sentence (reckoned from the commencement of the sentence) has elapsed, and

(ii)in any other case,] under section 3(1) of this Act, the licence shall (unless revoked) remain in force until the date on which, but for [F174the release under section 3(1)], he would have been released under section 1(1) of this Act;

F175(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F176(3ZA)Where a short-term prisoner is released on licence under section 1AB, the licence (unless revoked) remains in force until the entire period specified in the prisoner's sentence (reckoned from the commencement of the sentence) has elapsed.]

[F177(3A)Subsections (1) to (3) above do not apply in relation to release on licence under section 3AA of this Act.

(3B)A licence granted under section 3AA of this Act remains in force (unless it is revoked) until the date on which the released person would, but for his release under that section, fall to be released under section 1 of this Act.]

12 Conditions in licence.E+W+S

(1)A person released on licence under this Part of this Act shall [F178, subject to section 12A below,] comply with such conditions as may be specified in that licence by the Secretary of State.

(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above and to the power of the Secretary of State under subsection (3) below to vary or cancel any condition, a licence granted under this Part of this Act shall include a condition requiring that the person subject to it—

(a)shall be under the supervision of a relevant officer of such local authority [F179, of][F180an officer of a local probation board] appointed for or assigned to such [F181local justice area][F182or (as the case may be) of an officer of a provider of probation services acting in such local justice area], as may be specified in the licence; and

(b)shall comply with such requirements as that officer may specify for the purposes of the supervision.

[F183(2A)In its application to a licence granted under section 3AA of this Act, subsection (2) above is to be construed as if, for the words “shall include” there were substituted may include.]

[F184(3)The Scottish Ministers may under subsection (1) above include on release and from time to time insert, vary or cancel a condition in a licence granted under this Part of this Act; but—

(a)in the case of a long-term or life prisoner released by the Scottish Ministers under subsection (1) of section 3 of this Act without consulting the Parole Board, no licence condition shall be inserted, varied or cancelled subsequent to the release except in accordance with the recommendations of the Parole Board; and

(b)in the case of any other long-term or life prisoner, no licence condition shall be included on release, or subsequently inserted, varied or cancelled except in accordance with such recommendations.

[F185(4A)Subsection (3)(b) above does not apply in relation to a condition in a licence granted under section 3AA of this Act; but in exercising their powers under this section in relation to a long-term prisoner released on such a licence the Scottish Ministers must have regard to any recommendations which the Parole Board has made for the purposes of section 1(3) of this Act as to conditions to be included on release.]]

[F18612AAConditions for persons released on licence under section 3AAE+W+S

(1)Without prejudice to the generality of section 12(1) of this Act, any licence granted under section 3AA of this Act must include—

(a)the standard conditions; and

(b)a curfew condition complying with section 12AB of this Act.

(2)Subsection (1) above is without prejudice to any power exercisable under section 12 of this Act.

(3)In this section, “the standard conditions” means such conditions as may be prescribed as such for the purposes of this section.

(4)In subsection (3) above, “prescribed” means prescribed by order by the Scottish Ministers.

(5)Different standard conditions may be so prescribed for different classes of prisoner.

(6)Subsection (4) of section 3AA of this Act applies in relation to—

(a)the exercise of the power of prescription conferred by subsection (3) above; and

(b)the specification, variation or cancellation of conditions, other than the standard conditions, in a licence granted under section 3AA of this Act,

as it applies in relation to the exercise of the power conferred by subsection (1) of that section.

12ABCurfew conditionE+W+S

(1)For the purposes of this Part, a curfew condition is a condition which—

(a)requires the released person to remain, for periods for the time being specified in the condition, at a place for the time being so specified; and

(b)may require him not to be in a place, or class of place, so specified at a time or during a period so specified.

(2)The curfew condition may specify different places, or different periods, for different days but a condition such as is mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) above may not specify periods which amount to less than nine hours in any one day (excluding for this purpose the first and last days of the period for which the condition is in force).

F187(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F187(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F187(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F187(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F187(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

[F18812ASuspension of licence conditionsS

(1)Where a prisoner, who has been released on licence under this Part of this Act as respects a sentence of imprisonment—

(a)continues, by virtue of any enactment or rule of law, to be detained in prison notwithstanding such release; or

(b)is, by virtue of any enactment or rule of law, detained in prison subsequent to the date of such release but while the licence remains in force,

the conditions in the licence, other than those mentioned in subsection (3) below, shall by virtue of such detention be suspended.

(2)The suspension of the conditions shall have effect for so long as—

(a)the prisoner is so detained; and

(b)the licence remains in force.

(3)The conditions are any conditions, however expressed, requiring the prisoner—

(a)to be of good behaviour and to keep the peace; or

(b)not to contact a named person or class of persons (or not to do so unless with the approval of the person specified in the licence by virtue of section 12(2)(a) of this Act).

(4)The Scottish Ministers may by order amend subsection (3) above by—

(a)adding to the conditions mentioned in that subsection such other condition as they consider appropriate; or

(b)cancelling or varying a condition for the time being mentioned in that subsection.

12BCertain licences to be replaced by oneS

(1)Subsection (2) below applies where a prisoner—

(a)has been released on licence under this Part of this Act or under the 1989 Act as respects any sentence of imprisonment (“the original sentence”); and

(b)while so released, receives another sentence of imprisonment (whether for life or for a term) (“the subsequent sentence”),

and the licence as respects the original sentence has not been revoked.

(2)Where—

(a)this subsection applies; and

(b)the prisoner is to be released on licence under this Part of this Act as respects the subsequent sentence,

he shall instead be released on a single licence under this Part of this Act as respects both the original sentence and the subsequent sentence.

(3)The single licence—

(a)shall have effect in place of—

(i)the licence as respects the original sentence; and

(ii)any licence on which the prisoner would, apart from this section, be released as respects the subsequent sentence;

(b)shall be subject to such conditions as were in the licence as respects the original sentence immediately before that licence was replaced by the single licence; and

(c)shall (unless revoked) remain in force for so long as any licence as respects the original sentence or as respects the subsequent sentence would, apart from this section (and if not revoked), have remained in force.

[F189(4)References in this section to release on licence do not include release on licence under section 3AA of this Act.]]

13 Supervision of persons released on licence.S

The Secretary of State may make rules for regulating the supervision of any description of person released, under this Part of this Act, on licence.

14 Supervised release of short-term prisoners.E+W+S

(1)F190. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F191(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

(4)The Secretary of State shall, not later than thirty days before the date of release of a short-term prisoner who is subject to a supervised release order, designate—

(a)the local authority for the area where the prisoner proposes to reside after release;

(b)the local authority for the area where the place from which he is to be released is situated; or

(c)the justices for the [F192local justice area] where he proposes to reside after release,

as the appropriate authority or, as the case may be, justices for the purposes of the order.

(5)As soon as practicable after designating a local authority or justices under subsection (4) above the Secretary of State shall—

(a)inform the prisoner in writing of the designation; and

(b)send to the authority or, as the case may be, to the [F193designated officer for] the justices a copy of the supervised release order and of the relevant documents and information received by the Secretary of State by virtue of [F194section 209(6)(b)] of the [F1951995 Act].

15 Variation of supervised release order etc.E+W+S

(1)A person released subject to a supervised release order, or his supervising officer, may request the Secretary of State that a local authority or the justices for a [F196local justice area](in this section referred to as the “second” designee) be designated under this subsection as the appropriate authority or justices for the purposes of the order in place of that or those for the time being designated under section 14(4) of this Act or this subsection (the “first” designee) if the person resides or proposes to reside in the area of the second designee.

(2)The Secretary of State shall, if he designates the second designee in accordance with the request, determine the date from which the designation shall have effect.

(3)As soon as practicable after a designation is made under subsection (1) above—

(a)the Secretary of State shall—

(i)inform the person subject to the supervised release order, the first designee and the second designee that the designation has been made and of the date determined under subsection (2) above; and

(ii)send a copy of the supervised release order to the second designee; and

(b)the first designee shall send to the second designee the relevant documents and information received by the first designee by virtue of section 14(5)(b) of this Act (or by virtue of this paragraph).

(4)The court which made a supervised release order may, on an application under this subsection by a person subject to the order (whether or not he has been released before the application is made) or by his supervising officer (or, if the person is not yet released, but a local authority stands or justices stand designated as the appropriate authority or justices in respect of the order, by a relevant officer of that authority or, as the case may be, [F197an officer of a local probation board][F198, or an officer of a provider of probation services, acting in the local justice area])—

(a)amend, vary or cancel any requirement specified in or by virtue of the order;

(b)insert in the order a requirement specified for the purpose mentioned in [F199section 209(3)(b)] of the [F2001995 Act],

whether or not such amendment, variation, cancellation or insertion accords with what is sought by the applicant; but the period during which the person is to be under supervision shall not thereby be increased beyond any period which could have been specified in making the order.

(5)If an application under subsection (4) above is by the supervising officer (or other relevant officer or [F201officer of a local probation board][F202or officer of a provider of probation services]) alone, the court shall cite the person who is subject to the order to appear before the court and shall not proceed under that subsection until it has explained to the person, in as straightforward a way as is practicable, the effect of any proposed amendment, variation, cancellation or insertion.

[F203(5A)The unified citation provisions (as defined by section 307(1) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46)) apply in relation to a citation under subsection (5) above as they apply in relation to a citation under section 216(3)(a) of that Act.]

(6)The clerk of the court by which an amendment, variation, cancellation or insertion is made under subsection (4) above shall forthwith send a copy of the resultant order to the person subject to it and to the supervising officer.

16 Commission of offence by released prisoner.E+W+S

(1)This section applies to a short-term or long-term prisoner sentenced to a term of imprisonment (in this section referred to as “the original sentence”) by a court in Scotland and released [F204at any time] under this Part of this Act or Part II of the M8Criminal Justice Act 1991 if—

(a)before the date on which he would (but for his release) have served his sentence in full, he commits an offence punishable with imprisonment (other than an offence in respect of which imprisonment for life is mandatory); and

(b)whether before or after that date, he pleads guilty to or is found guilty of that offence (in this section referred to as “the new offence”) in a court in Scotland or England and Wales.

(2)Where the court mentioned in subsection (1)(b) above is in Scotland it may, instead of or in addition to making any other order in respect of the plea or finding—

(a)in a case other than that mentioned in paragraph (b) below, order the person to be returned to prison for the whole or any part of the period which—

(i)begins with the date of the order for his return; and

(ii)is equal in length to the period between the date on which the new offence was committed and the date mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above; and

(b)in a case where that court is inferior to the court which imposed the sentence mentioned in the said subsection (1)(a), refer the case to the superior court in question; and a court to which a case is so referred may make such order with regard to it as is mentioned in paragraph (a) above.

(3)Where the court mentioned in subsection (1)(b) above is in England and Wales it may, instead of or in addition to making any other order in respect of the plea or finding, refer the case to the court which imposed the original sentence and shall, if it does so, send to that court such particulars of that case as may be relevant.

(4)The court to which a case is referred under subsection (3) above may make such an order as is mentioned in subsection (2)(a) above in respect of the person.

(5)The period for which a person to whom this section applies is ordered under subsection (2) or (4) above to be returned to prison—

(a)shall be taken to be a sentence of imprisonment for the purposes of this Act and of any appeal; and

(b)shall, as the court making that order may direct, either be served before and be followed by, or be served concurrently with, any sentence of imprisonment imposed for the new offence (being in either case disregarded in determining the appropriate length of that sentence).

(6)In exercising its powers under [F205section 118(4) or 189(1) and (2)] of the [F2061995 Act], the court hearing an appeal against an order under subsection (2) or (4) above may, if it thinks fit and notwithstanding subsection (2)(a), substitute for the period specified in the order a period not exceeding the period between the date on which the person was released and the date mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above.

[F207(7)Where an order under subsection (2) or (4) above is made in respect of a person released on licence—

(a)F208. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F209(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

[F210(8)Where a prisoner has been sentenced to two or more terms of imprisonment which are wholly or partly concurrent and do not fall to be treated as a single term by virtue of section 27(5) of this Act, the date mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above shall be taken to be that on which he would (but for his release) have served all of the sentences in full.]

17 Revocation of licence.S

[F211(1)Where—

(a)a long-term prisoner has been released on licence under this Part of this Act and is not detained as mentioned in section 12A(1)(a) or (b) of this Act; or

(b)a life prisoner has been so released on licence and is not detained as mentioned in section 12A(1)(b) of this Act,

the Scottish Ministers—

(i)shall, if recommended to do so by the Parole Board; or

(ii)may, if revocation and recall are, in their opinion, expedient in the public interest and it is not practicable to await such a recommendation,

revoke the licence and recall the prisoner to prison.

(1A)Where a long-term prisoner or a life prisoner has been released on licence as mentioned in subsection (1) above, but is detained as mentioned in that subsection, the Scottish Ministers—

(a)shall, if recommended to do so by the Parole Board; or

(b)may, if revocation is, in their opinion, expedient in the public interest and it is not practicable to await such a recommendation,

revoke the licence.

(1B)Where a short-term prisoner has been released on licence under section 3(1) of this Act, the Scottish Ministers may, whether or not he is detained as mentioned in section 12A(1)(b) of this Act—

(a)revoke the licence; and

(b)where he is not so detained, recall him to prison,

if they are satisfied that his health or circumstances have so changed that his release on licence is no longer justified.

(2)The Scottish Ministers shall, on the [F212return to prison of a person whose licence is revoked] under subsection (1), (1A) or (1B) above, inform that person of the reasons for the revocation.

(3)The Scottish Ministers shall refer to the Parole Board the case of a person whose licence is revoked under subsection (1), (1A) or (1B) above.]

(4)Where on a reference under subsection (3) above the Parole Board directs a prisoner’s F213... release on licence, [F214the Scottish Ministers must give effect to the direction without undue delay] .

[F215(4AA)Where the Parole Board directs the release of a prisoner under subsection (4) above it may recommend that the Scottish Ministers insert, vary or cancel conditions in the prisoner’s licence.]