Crime (Sentences) Act 1997

Year: 1997

Sections 1 – 7 generally set out mandatory and minimum sentences. Section 2 (2) sets out when a court can impose a life sentence. s.2(2)(b) states ‘where he is under 21, a sentence of custody for life under section 8(2) of the Criminal Justice Act 1982. Section 2(5)(f) states that under section 5 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 (intercourse with a girl under 13) it is a serious offence. This applies in Scotland (s.2(6)(j). Section 3(6) distinguishes between those aged 21 and over and those 21 and under. Under s.3(6)(b) ‘a person who is under 21 , a sentence of detention in a young offenders institution’ for drug trafficking offences. Section 4(b) allows the section to apply to those aged 18 and over.

Part II, Section 16 gives details on release supervision orders. Section 17(5)(1)(a) and (b) distinguishes between those aged 16 or over and those aged under 18 in relation to breach of conditions of release supervision order.
Sections 19 – 25 address specific cases. This part also includes young offenders (s. 19), sexual offenders (s. 20) and mentally disordered offenders (s. 22). Procedural details are set out including details of periods of detention, length of sentences and details of released offenders.

Part III includes details regarding the sentences of young offenders. This includes curfew orders (s. 43), long term detention (s. 44) and publication of reports (s. 45). The miscellaneous section states certain requirements for an increased penalty for offence of indecency with children (s. 52). Section 52 states ‘In subsection (1) of section 1 of the Indecency with Children Act 1960 (indecent conduct towards young child), for the words “two years” there shall be substituted the words “ten years”.’

Section 54 gives general interpretations of the Act.