Minimum sentence for single offence
311Minimum sentence for certain offences involving firearms that are prohibited weapons
(1)This section applies where—
(a)a person is convicted of an offence listed in Schedule 20 (certain offences involving firearms that are prohibited weapons), and
(b)the offender was aged 16 or over when the offence was committed.
(2)The court must impose an appropriate custodial sentence for a term of at least the required minimum term unless the court is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances which—
(a)relate to the offence or to the offender, and
(b)justify not doing so.
(3)In this section “appropriate custodial sentence” means—
(a)in the case of a person who is aged under 18 when convicted, a sentence of detention under section 250;
(b)in the case of a person who is aged 18 or over but under 21 when convicted, a sentence of detention in a young offender institution (and includes, if the offence is an offence for which a person aged 21 or over would be liable to imprisonment for life, a sentence of custody for life);
(c)in the case of a person who is aged 21 or over when convicted, a sentence of imprisonment.
(4)In this section “the required minimum term” means—
(a)in the case of an offender who was aged under 18 when the offence was committed, 3 years;
(b)in the case of an offender who was aged 18 or over when the offence was committed, 5 years.
But this is subject to subsection (5).
(5)In the case of an offence within paragraph 5 of Schedule 20, “the required minimum term” means—
(a)in the case of an offender who was aged under 18 when convicted, 3 years;
(b)in the case of an offender who was aged 18 or over when convicted, 5 years.
312Minimum sentence for offences of threatening with weapon or bladed article
(1)This section applies where a person aged 16 or over is convicted of an offence under—
(a)section 1A of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 (offence of threatening with offensive weapon in public), or
(b)section 139AA of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (offence of threatening with article with blade or point or offensive weapon).
(2)The court must impose an appropriate custodial sentence unless the court is of the opinion that there are particular circumstances which—
(a)relate to the offence or to the offender, and
(b)would make it unjust to do so in all the circumstances.
(3)In this section “appropriate custodial sentence” means—
(a)in the case of a person who is aged 16 or over but under 18 when convicted, a detention and training order of at least 4 months;
(b)in the case of a person who is aged 18 or over but under 21 when convicted, a sentence of detention in a young offender institution for a term of at least 6 months;
(c)in the case of a person who is aged 21 or over when convicted, a sentence of imprisonment for a term of at least 6 months.