Criminal Justice Act 2003

[F1 Further release after recall] E+W

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 255A-255C and crossheading substituted for s. 255A-255D (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 114(1), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)

[F1 255A Further release after recall: introductory E+W

(1) This section applies for the purpose of identifying which of sections 255B and 255C governs the further release of a person who has been recalled under section 254.

(2) The Secretary of State must, on recalling a person other than an extended sentence prisoner [F2 or a serious terrorism prisoner], consider whether the person is suitable for automatic release.

F3 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) A person is suitable for automatic release only if the Secretary of State is satisfied that the person will not present a risk of serious harm to members of the public if released at the end of [F4 the automatic release period].

(5) The person must be dealt with—

(a) in accordance with section 255B if suitable for automatic release;

(b) in accordance with section 255C otherwise.

[F5 but that is subject, where applicable, to section 243A(2) (unconditional release).]

(6) For the purposes of this section, a person returns to custody when that person, having been recalled, is detained (whether or not in prison) in pursuance of the sentence.

(7) An “extended sentence prisoner” is a prisoner serving an extended sentence imposed under—

(a) section [F6 226A, 226B,] 227 or 228 of this Act, F7 ...

[F8 (aa) section 254, 266 or 279 of the Sentencing Code, or]

(b) section 85 of [F9 the PCC(S)A 2000];

and paragraph (b) includes (in accordance with paragraph 1(3) of Schedule 11 to [F9 the PCC(S)A 2000]) a reference to section 58 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.]

[F10 (7A) A “serious terrorism prisoner” is a prisoner serving a serious terrorism sentence imposed under section 268A or 282A of the Sentencing Code.]

[F11 (8) Automatic release” means release at the end of the automatic release period.

(9) In the case of a person recalled under section 254 while on licence under a provision of this Chapter other than section 246, “the automatic release period” means—

(a) where the person is serving a sentence of less than 12 months, the period of 14 days beginning with the day on which the person returns to custody;

(b) where the person is serving a sentence of 12 months or more, the period of 28 days beginning with that day.

(10) In the case of a person recalled under section 254 while on licence under section 246, “the automatic release period” means whichever of the following ends later—

(a) the period described in subsection (9)(a) or (b) (as appropriate);

(b) the requisite custodial period which the person would have served under section 243A or 244 but for the earlier release.]

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in s. 255A(2) inserted (29.6.2021) by Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 (c. 11), s. 50(2)(v), Sch. 13 para. 9(6)(a)

F3 S. 255A(3) omitted (1.2.2015) by virtue of Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014 (c. 11), ss. 9(4)(a), 22(1) (with Sch. 7 para. 5); S.I. 2015/40, art. 2(i)

F4 Words in s. 255A(4) substituted (1.2.2015) by Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014 (c. 11), ss. 9(4)(b), 22(1) (with Sch. 7 para. 5); S.I. 2015/40, art. 2(i)

F5 Words in s. 255A(5) inserted (1.2.2015) by Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014 (c. 11), ss. 9(4)(c), 22(1) (with Sch. 7 para. 5); S.I. 2015/40, art. 2(i)

F6 Words in s. 255A(7)(a) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 20 para. 7; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(r)

F7 Word in s. 255A(7)(a) omitted (1.12.2020) by virtue of Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 228(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F8 S. 255A(7)(aa) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 228(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F9 Words in s. 255A(7) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 228(c) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F10 S. 255A(7A) inserted (29.6.2021) by Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 (c. 11), s. 50(2)(v), Sch. 13 para. 9(6)(b)

F11 Ss. 255A(8)-(10) inserted (1.2.2015) by Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014 (c. 11), ss. 9(4)(d), 22(1) (with Sch. 7 para. 5); S.I. 2015/40, art. 2(i)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. 12 Ch. 6 modified (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 245(1)(2)(c), 416(1) (with ss. 2, 245(3), 398(1), 406, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

C2 Pt. 12 Ch. 6 modified (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 244(1)(2)(c), 416(1) (with ss. 2, 244(3), 398(1), 406, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

C3 S. 255A(7) modified (1.12.2020 immediately before the consolidation date (see 2020 c. 9, ss. 3, 5(2)(3) and 2020 c. 17, ss. 2, 416)) by Sentencing (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Act 2020 (c. 9), ss. 1, 5(2)(3); S.I. 2012/1236, reg. 2

[F1 255B Automatic release E+W

(1) A prisoner who is suitable for automatic release (“P”) must—

(a) on return to prison, be informed that he or she will be released under this section (subject to subsections (8) and (9)), and

(b) at the end of [F12 the automatic release period (as defined in section 255A(9) and (10))], be released by the Secretary of State on licence under this Chapter (unless P is released before that date under subsection (2) or (5)).

(2) The Secretary of State may, at any time after P is returned to prison, release P again on licence under this Chapter.

(3) The Secretary of State must not release P under subsection (2) unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is not necessary for the protection of the public that P should remain in prison until the end of the period mentioned in subsection (1)(b).

(4) If P makes representations under section 254(2) before the end of that period, the Secretary of State must refer P's case to the Board on the making of those representations.

(5) Where on a reference under subsection (4) the Board directs P's immediate release on licence under this Chapter, the Secretary of State must give effect to the direction.

(6) Subsection (7) applies if P is recalled before the date on which P would (but for the earlier release) have served the requisite custodial period for the purposes of section 243A or (as the case may be) section 244.

(7) Where this subsection applies—

(a) if P is released under this section before that date, P's licence must include a curfew condition complying with section 253, and

(b) P is not to be so released (despite subsections (1)(b) and (5)) unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that arrangements are in place to enable that condition to be complied with.

(8) Subsection (9) applies if, after P has been informed that he or she will be released under this section, the Secretary of State receives further information about P (whether or not relating to any time before P was recalled).

(9) If the Secretary of State determines, having regard to that and any other relevant information, that P is not suitable for automatic release—

(a) the Secretary of State must inform P that he or she will not be released under this section, and

(b) section 255C applies to P as if the Secretary of State had determined, on P's recall, that P was not suitable for automatic release.]

Textual Amendments

F12 Words in s. 255B(1)(b) substituted (1.2.2015) by Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014 (c. 11), ss. 9(5), 22(1) (with Sch. 7 para. 5); S.I. 2015/40, art. 2(i)

[F1 255C [F13 Prisoners not suitable for automatic release] E+W

(1) This section applies to a prisoner (“P”) who—

(a) is an extended sentence prisoner [F14 or a serious terrorism prisoner (see section 255A(7) and (7A))], or

(b) is not considered to be suitable for automatic release.

(2) The Secretary of State may, at any time after P is returned to prison, release P again on licence under this Chapter.

(3) The Secretary of State must not release P under subsection (2) unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is not necessary for the protection of the public that P should remain in prison.

(4) The Secretary of State must refer P's case to the Board—

(a) if P makes representations under section 254(2) before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which P returns to custody, on the making of those representations, or

(b) if, at the end of that period, P has not been released under subsection (2) and has not made such representations, at that time.

(5) Where on a reference under subsection (4) the Board directs P's immediate release on licence under this Chapter, the Secretary of State must give effect to the direction.

(6) Subsection (7) applies if P is recalled before the date on which P would (but for the earlier release) have served the requisite custodial period for the purposes of section 243A or (as the case may be) section 244.

(7) Where this subsection applies—

(a) if P is released under this section before that date, P's licence must include a curfew condition complying with section 253, and

(b) P is not to be so released (despite subsection (5)) unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that arrangements are in place to enable that condition to be complied with.

(8) For the purposes of this section, P returns to custody when P, having been recalled, is detained (whether or not in prison) in pursuance of the sentence.]

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 255C heading substituted (29.6.2021) by Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 (c. 11), s. 50(2)(v), Sch. 13 para. 9(7)(a)

F14 Words in s. 255C(1)(a) inserted (29.6.2021) by Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 (c. 11), s. 50(2)(v), Sch. 13 para. 9(7)(b)

256 [F15 Review by the Board] E+W

(1) Where on a reference under [F16 section 255B(4) or 255C(4)] in relation to any person, the Board does not [F17 direct] his immediate release on licence under this Chapter, the Board must either—

(a) fix a date for the person’s release on licence, or

[F18 (b) determine the reference by making no [F19 direction] as to his release.]

(2) Any date fixed under subsection (1)(a) F20 . . . must not be later than the first anniversary of the date on which the decision is taken.

F21 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) Where the Board has fixed a date under subsection (1)(a), it is the duty of the Secretary of State to release him on licence on that date.

F22 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 256 heading substituted (14.7.2008) by virtue of Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 30(5), 153; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 16 (subject to Sch. 2 para. 3)

F16 Words in s. 256(1) substituted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 114(4), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)

F17 Word in s. 256(1) substituted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 116(3)(a), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)

F18 S. 256(1)(b) substituted (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 30(2), 153; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 16 (subject to Sch. 2 para. 3)

F19 Word in s. 256(1) substituted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 116(3)(b), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)

F20 Words in s. 256(2) repealed (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 30(3), 149, 153, Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 paras. 16, 50(2)(c)

F21 S. 256(3) repealed (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 30(4), 149, 153, Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 paras. 16, 50(2)(c) (subject to Sch. 2 para. 3)

F22 S. 256(5) repealed (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 30(4), 149, 153, Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 paras. 16, 50(2)(c)

Commencement Information

I1 S. 256 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 256 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 256 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 256 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

[F23 256A Further review E+W

(1) The Secretary of State must, not later than the first anniversary of a determination by the Board under section 256(1) or subsection (4) below, refer the person's case to the Board.

(2) The Secretary of State may, at any time before that anniversary, refer the person's case to the Board.

(3) The Board may at any time recommend to the Secretary of State that a person's case be referred under subsection (2).

(4) On a reference under subsection (1) or (2), the Board must determine the reference by—

(a) [F24 directing] the person's immediate release on licence under this Chapter,

(b) fixing a date for his release on licence, or

(c) making no [F25 direction] as to his release.

(5) The Secretary of State—

(a) where the Board makes a [F26 direction] under subsection (4)(a) for the person's immediate release on licence, must give effect to the [F26 direction]; and

(b) where the Board fixes a release date under subsection (4)(b), must release the person on licence on that date.]

Textual Amendments

F23 S. 256A inserted (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 30(6), 153; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 16 (subject to Sch. 2 para. 3)

F24 Word in s. 256A(4)(a) substituted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 116(4)(a), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)

F25 Word in s. 256A(4)(c) substituted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 116(4)(b), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)

F26 Words in s. 256A(5) substituted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 116(4)(c), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)