Types of sentences

• custodial sentences

  • most serious punishment
  • ranges from a few weeks to life imprisonment
  • s221 - s232 sentencing act 2020 - custodial sentences should only be given if the offence is so serious that a fine/community sentence cannot be justified
  • prisoners first held in a dispersal prison for 14 days and then transferred to relevant category prison
  • can be either mandatory/discretionary life sentence, fixed term or suspended sentence
• community orders

  • s201 sentencing act 2020 - the one order wherein courts combine requirements they think is necessary
  • unpaid work - must work 40-300 hrs on a suitable project organised by probation service - painting buildings
  • prohibited activity requirement - wide variety of activities to be prohibited - prevents offenders committing another or similar crimes - forbidden to go into certain areas
  • curfew requirements - remain address for 2 - 16 hrs - can last 6 months, enforced by electronic tagging - monitored by spot checks and satellite technology to track those who are tagged
• fines

  • imposed for any offence except murder
  • most common in magistrates
  • victim surcharge - D must pay £15 towards victims and witness services
• discharge

  • conditional charge - on the basis no further offence is committed - if breached, D can be sentenced for both offences
  • absolute discharge - no penalty imposed - offender is technically guilty but morally blameless