PART 2SENTENCING
CHAPTER 2CUSTODIAL SENTENCES
Disclosure of pre-sentence reports11
1
This Article applies where a court obtains a pre-sentence report.
2
Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), the court shall give a copy of the report—
a
to the offender or the offender’s counsel or solicitor; and
b
to the prosecutor, that is to say, the person having conduct of the proceedings in respect of the offence.
3
If the offender is under the age of 18 and is not represented by counsel or a solicitor, a copy of the report need not be given to the offender but shall be given to the offender’s parent or guardian if present in court
4
If the prosecutor is not of a description prescribed by order made by the Secretary of State, a copy of the report need not be given to the prosecutor if the court considers that it would be inappropriate for the prosecutor to be given it.
5
No information obtained by virtue of paragraph (2)(b) shall be used or disclosed otherwise than for the purpose of—
a
determining whether representations as to matters contained in the report need to be made to the court; or
b
making such representations to the court.