Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022

139 Release at direction of Parole Board: timing

(1) In the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997—

(a) in section 32(5) (duty to release life prisoner after recall), omit “immediate”;

(b) after section 32ZA insert—

“Release at the direction of Parole Board

32ZB Release at direction of Parole Board: timing

(1) This section applies where the Parole Board directs the release of a life prisoner under section 28 or 32.

(2) The Secretary of State must give effect to the direction of the Parole Board as soon as is reasonably practicable in all the circumstances including, in particular, the need to make arrangements in connection with any conditions that are to be included in the life prisoner’s licence under this Chapter.

(3) The duty under subsection (2) is subject to provision made pursuant to section 239(5C)(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (provision in Parole Board rules in relation to setting aside of release directions).”

(2) In the Criminal Justice Act 2003—

(a) in section 255B(5) (automatic release after recall), omit “immediate”;

(b) in section 255C(5) (release after recall of fixed-term prisoner not suitable for automatic release), omit “immediate”;

(c) after section 256AZB insert—

“Release at the direction of the Board

256AZC Release at direction of Parole Board: timing

(1) This section applies where the Board directs the release of a person on licence under this Chapter.

(2) The Secretary of State must give effect to the direction of the Parole Board as soon as is reasonably practicable in all the circumstances including, in particular, the need to make arrangements in connection with any conditions that are to be included in the person’s licence under this Chapter.

(3) The duty under subsection (2) is subject to provision made pursuant to section 239(5C)(b).”