1Sentencing guidelines about pre-sentence reports

(1)

Section 120 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (sentencing guidelines) is amended as follows.

(2)

After subsection (4) insert—

“(4A)

But sentencing guidelines about pre-sentence reports may not include provision framed by reference to different personal characteristics of an offender.”

(3)

After subsection (11) insert—

“(12)

For the purposes of this section—

“personal characteristics” include, in particular—

(a)

race;

(b)

religion or belief;

(c)

cultural background;

“pre-sentence report” has the same meaning as in the Sentencing Code (see section 31 of the Code).”