http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/52/section/291Armed Forces Act 2006An Act to make provision with respect to the armed forces; and for connected purposes.texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-07-30Expert Participation2026-07-08 Part 12Service and Effect of Certain Sentences<Emphasis>Commencement of sentence</Emphasis>Commencement of consecutive term of service detention awarded by CO2911This section applies where an officer—aawards a term of service detention; andbdirects under section 189(3) that the award shall take effect from the end of another sentence of service detention (“the initial sentence”).2The offender may at the time of the award make an election under this subsection.3Such an election may be withdrawn at any time until the end of the appeal period.4If the offender—amakes an election under subsection (2), andbdoes not withdraw the election, or bring an appeal, before the end of the initial sentence,the award takes effect from the end of the initial sentence.5If subsection (4) does not apply, the award—atakes effect from the end of the initial sentence or (if later) the end of the appeal period (unless an appeal is brought before that time);bif an appeal is brought before the end of the initial sentence or (if later) the end of the appeal period, takes effect from the end of the initial sentence or (if later) the beginning of the day when the appeal is abandoned or determined.6If an election is withdrawn after the end of the initial sentence, the remainder of the award ceases to have effect from the beginning of the day of withdrawal and resumes effect—afrom the end of the appeal period (unless an appeal is brought within that period);bif an appeal is brought within that period, from the beginning of the day when the appeal is abandoned or determined.7If an award takes or resumes effect under subsection (4), (5)(a) or (6)(a) and an appeal is subsequently brought, the remainder of the award—aceases to have effect from the beginning of the day when the appeal is brought; andbresumes effect from the beginning of the day when the appeal is abandoned or determined.8In this section “appeal period” means the period mentioned in section 141(2) for the bringing of an appeal against the award mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above.9Nothing in subsection (5)(b), (6)(b) or (7)(b) applies where the appeal is determined and, on that determination, the award is quashed or another punishment is substituted for it.S. 291 in force at 28.3.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)Pts. 11-13 applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces (Court Martial) Rules 2009 (S.I. 2009/2041), art. 1, rule 128(3)(4)S. 291 in force at 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4