Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, section 210A

Extended sentences for sex, violent and terrorist offenders

PART XI Sentencing

(1)Where a person is convicted on indictment of a sexual [F1570 , violent or dfnterrorismF1570] offence, the court may, if it—

(a)intends, in relation to—

(i)a sexual offence, to pass a determinate sentence of imprisonment; or

(ii)a violent [F1571 or dfnterrorismF1571] offence, to pass such a sentence for a term of four years or more; F1572...

(b)considers that the period (if any) for which the offender would, apart from this section, be subject to a licence would not be adequate for the purpose of protecting the public from serious harm from the offender, [F1573 and

(c)is not required by section 205ZA to impose a serious terrorism sentence of imprisonment or a serious terrorism sentence of detention,F1573]

pass an extended sentence on the offender.

(2)An extended sentence is a sentence of imprisonment which is the aggregate of—

(a) the term of imprisonment (“the custodial term”) which the court would have passed on the offender otherwise than by virtue of this section; and

(b) a further period (“the extension period”) for which the offender is to be subject to a licence and which is, subject to the provisions of this section, of such length as the court considers necessary for the purpose mentioned in subsection (1)(b) above.

(3)The extension period shall not exceed, in the case of—

(a)a sexual offence, ten years; F1574...

(b)a violent offence, [F1575 tenF1575] years[F1576 , and

(c)a terrorism offence, ten years.F1576]

(4)A court shall, before passing an extended sentence, consider a report by a relevant officer of a local authority about the offender and his circumstances and, if the court thinks it necessary, hear that officer.

(5)The term of an extended sentence passed for a statutory offence shall not exceed the maximum term of imprisonment provided for in the statute in respect of that offence.

(6)Subject to subsection (5) above, a sheriff may pass an extended sentence which is the aggregate of a custodial term not exceeding the maximum term of imprisonment which he may impose and an extension period not exceeding [F1577 five yearsF1577] .

(7)The Secretary of State may by order—

(a)amend paragraph (b) of subsection (3) above by substituting a different period, not exceeding ten years, for the period for the time being specified in that paragraph; and

(b)make such transitional provision as appears to him to be necessary or expedient in connection with the amendment.

(8)The power to make an order under subsection (7) above shall be exercisable by statutory instrument; but no such order shall be made unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(9)An extended sentence shall not be imposed where the sexual or violent offence was committed before the commencement of section 86 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

(10)For the purposes of this section—

  • “licence” and “relevant officer” have the same meaning as in Part I of the M32 Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993;

  • “sexual offence” means—

    (i)

    rape [F1578 at common lawF1578] ;

    (ii)

    clandestine injury to women;

    (iii)

    abduction of a woman or girl with intent to rape or ravish;

    (iiia)

    [F1579 abduction with intent to commit the statutory offence of rape;F1579]

    (iv)

    assault with intent to rape or ravish;

    (iva)

    [F1580 assault with intent to commit the statutory offence of rape;F1580]

    (v)

    indecent assault;

    (vi)

    lewd, indecent or libidinous behaviour or practices;

    (vii)

    F1581 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    (viii)

    sodomy;

    (ix)

    an offence under section 170 of the M33Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 in relation to goods prohibited to be imported under section 42 of the M34Customs Consolidation Act 1876, but only where the prohibited goods include indecent photographs of persons;

    (x)

    an offence under section 52 of the M35Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (taking and distribution of indecent images of children);

    (xi)

    an offence under section 52A of that Act (possession of indecent images of children);

    (xii)

    an offence under section 1 of the M36Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 (incest);

    (xiii)

    an offence under section 2 of that Act (intercourse with a stepchild);

    (xiv)

    an offence under section 3 of that Act (intercourse with child under 16 by person in position of trust);

    (xv)

    an offence under section 5 of that Act (unlawful intercourse with girl under 16);

    (xvi)

    an offence under section 6 of that Act (indecent behaviour towards girl between 12 and 16);

    (xvii)

    an offence under section 8 of that Act (abduction of girl under 18 for purposes of unlawful intercourse);

    (xviii)

    an offence under section 10 of that Act (person having parental responsibilities causing or encouraging sexual activity in relation to a girl under 16); F1582. . .

    (xix)

    an offence under subsection (5) of section 13 of that Act (homosexual offences); F1583[F1584 . . .

    (xx)

    an offence under section 3 of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000 (abuse of position of trust)F1584] F1585[F1586 . . .

    (xxi)

    an offence under section 311(1) of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment)(Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13)(non-consensual sexual acts).F1586]

    (xxii)

    [F1587 an offence under section 1 of the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 9) (meeting a child following certain preliminary conduct);

    (xxiii)

    an offence under section 9 of that Act (paying for sexual services of a child);

    (xxiv)

    an offence under section 10 of that Act (causing or inciting provision by child of sexual services or child pornography);

    (xxv)

    an offence under section 11 of that Act (controlling a child providing sexual services or involved in pornography);

    (xxvi)

    an offence under section 12 of that Act (arranging or facilitating provision by child of sexual services or child pornography).F1587] [F1588 and

    (xxvii)

    an offence which consists of a contravention of any of the following provisions of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (asp 9)—

    (A)

    section 1 (rape),

    (B)

    section 2 (sexual assault by penetration),

    (C)

    section 3 (sexual assault),

    (D)

    section 4 (sexual coercion),

    (E)

    section 5 (coercing a person into being present during a sexual activity),

    (F)

    section 6 (coercing a person into looking at a sexual image),

    (G)

    section 7(1) (communicating indecently),

    (H)

    section 7(2) (causing a person to see or hear an indecent communication),

    (I)

    section 8 (sexual exposure),

    (J)

    section 9 (voyeurism),

    (K)

    section 11 (administering a substance for sexual purposes),

    (L)

    section 18 (rape of a young child),

    (M)

    section 19 (sexual assault on a young child by penetration),

    (N)

    section 20 (sexual assault on a young child),

    (O)

    section 21 (causing a young child to participate in a sexual activity),

    (P)

    section 22 (causing a young child to be present during a sexual activity)

    (Q)

    section 23 (causing a young child to look at a sexual image),

    (R)

    section 24(1) (communicating indecently with a young child),

    (S)

    section 24(2) (causing a young child to see or hear an indecent communication),

    (T)

    section 25 (sexual exposure to a young child),

    (U)

    section 26 (voyeurism towards a young child),

    (V)

    section 28 (having intercourse with an older child),

    (W)

    section 29 (engaging in penetrative sexual activity with or towards an older child),

    (X)

    section 30 (engaging in sexual activity with or towards an older child),

    (Y)

    section 31 (causing an older child to participate in a sexual activity),

    (Z)

    section 32 (causing an older child to be present during a sexual activity),

    (ZA)

    section 33 (causing an older child to look at a sexual image),

    (ZB)

    section 34(1) (communicating indecently with an older child),

    (ZC)

    section 34(2) (causing an older child to see or hear an indecent communication),

    (ZD)

    section 35 (sexual exposure to an older child),

    (ZE)

    section 36 (voyeurism towards an older child),

    (ZF)

    section 37(1) (engaging while an older child in sexual conduct with or towards another older child),

    (ZG)

    section 37(4) (engaging while an older child in consensual sexual conduct with another older child),

    (ZH)

    section 42 (sexual abuse of trust),

    (ZI)

    section 46 (sexual abuse of trust of a mentally disordered person);

    (xxviii)

    [F1589 an offence (other than one mentioned in the preceding paragraphs) where the court determines for the purposes of this paragraph that there was a significant sexual aspect to the offender's behaviour in committing the offence;F1589,F1588]]

  • “imprisonment” includes—

    (i)

    detention under section 207 of this Act; and

    (ii)

    detention under section 208 of this Act; F1590...

  • [F1591 “terrorism offence” means an offence that—

    (a)

    is specified in Part 1 of Schedule 5ZC, or

    (b)

    is specified in Part 2 of that Schedule and has been proved to have been aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection under section 31 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008;F1591]

  • “violent offence” means any offence (other than an offence which is a sexual offence within the meaning of this section) inferring personal violence.

[F1592 (11)In subsection (10)

(a) any reference to a “sexual offence” includes?

(i)a reference to any attempt, conspiracy or incitement to commit that offence; and

(ii) except in the case of an offence under paragraphs (i) to (viii) of the definition of “sexual offence” in that subsection, a reference to aiding and abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of that offence;

(b) the references to “rape” in paragraphs (iii) and (iv) of the definition of “sexual offence” are to the offence of rape at common law; and

(c) the references to “the statutory offence of rape” in paragraphs (iiia) and (iva) of that definition are (as the case may be) to?

(i)the offence of rape under section 1 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, or

(ii)the offence of rape of a young child under section 18 of that Act.F1592]

[F1593 (12)An extended sentence may be passed by reference to paragraph (xxviii) only if the offender is or is to become, by virtue of Schedule 3 to the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c.42), subject to the notification requirements of Part 2 of that Act.F1593,F1568]]

Definitions used in section 210A 14

indictment

“indictment” includes any indictment whether in the sheriff court or the High Court framed in the form set out an Act of Adjournal or as nearly as may be in such form;

Defined in s.307(1) · see it in the full Act
offence

“offence” means any act, attempt or omission punishable by law;

Defined in s.307(1) · see it in the full Act
court

“court” means any of—

(a)

the High Court of Justiciary,

(b)

the Sheriff Appeal Court when exercising criminal jurisdiction,

(c)

the sheriff courts when exercising criminal jurisdiction, and

(d)

justice of the peace courts,

Defined in s.303O(1) · see it in the full Act
sexual offence

Where a person is convicted on indictment of abduction but the offence is other than is mentioned in paragraph (iii) of the definition of “sexual offence” in subsection (10) of section 210A of this Act , that section shall apply in relation to the person as it applies in relation to a person so convicted of a violent offence.

Defined in s.210AA · see it in the full Act
sentence

“sentence”, whether of detention or of imprisonment, means a sentence passed in respect of a crime or offence and does not include an order for committal in default of payment of any sum of money or for contempt of court;

Defined in s.307(1) · see it in the full Act
local authority

“local authority” has the meaning assigned to it by section 1(2) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 ;

Defined in s.307(1) · see it in the full Act

“local authority” means a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 and any reference to the area of such an authority is a reference to the local government area within the meaning of that Act for which it is so constituted.

Defined in s.234K · see it in the full Act
statute

“statute” means any Act of Parliament, public general, local, or private, and any Provisional Order confirmed by Act of Parliament;

Defined in s.307(1) · see it in the full Act
order

“order” means any order, byelaw, rule or regulation having statutory authority;

Defined in s.307(1) · see it in the full Act
proceedings

“proceedings” includes any process before a court, or any office holder of a court (for example, a process by which a warrant may be obtained for the purpose of investigating a suspected offence),

Defined in s.303O(1) · see it in the full Act
rape

(a) the references to “rape” in paragraphs (d) and (e) are to the offence of rape at common law; and

Defined in s.288C(9) · see it in the full Act

(a) the references to “rape” in paragraphs (c) and (d) of the definition of “relevant sexual offence” are to the offence of rape at common law; and

Defined in s.19A(6A) · see it in the full Act
the statutory offence of rape

(b) the references in paragraphs (ca) and (da) of that subsection to “the statutory offence of rape” are (as the case may be) to?

Defined in s.19A(6A) · see it in the full Act

(b) the references to “the statutory offence of rape” in paragraphs (da) and (ea) are (as the case may be) to?

Defined in s.288C(9) · see it in the full Act
child

“child”, except in section 46(3) of and Schedule 1 to this Act, has the meaning assigned to that expression for the purposes of section 199 of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1)

Defined in s.307(1) · see it in the full Act

“child” has the meaning given by section 199 of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 ,

Defined in s.307(1) · see it in the full Act
the Commission

“the Commission” has the meaning given by section 194A(1) of this Act ;

Defined in s.307(1) · see it in the full Act

(1) There shall be established a body corporate to be known as the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (in this Act referred to as “the Commission”).

Defined in s.194A(1) · see it in the full Act
requirement

“requirement” means a requirement arising from an enactment or rule of law.

Defined in s.303O(1) · see it in the full Act

Cases considering section 210A 3

Brown v The Parole Board for Scotland, The Scottish Ministers and another

[2017] UKSC 69 · 1 November 2017Limits

The court interpreted an extended sentence as a court-imposed custodial term plus an extension period of community licence imposed because ordinary licence supervision would inadequately protect the public from serious harm (see paras [47]-[53]). The subsection permits an extended sentence where the ordinary licence period would not adequately protect the public from serious harm (see paras [48]-[49]; [53]). The subsection defines an extended sentence as the aggregate of the custodial term and extension period. The court looked beyond that terminology to the practical nature of detention during each period (see paras [48]-[49]; [57]-[60]). The custodial term is the imprisonment which the court would otherwise have imposed and contains the sentence's punitive component (see paras [48]-[49]; [60]). The extension period is fixed for the purpose of protecting the public from serious harm. That preventive purpose supports application of the rehabilitation duty during detention in the extension period (see paras [48]-[49]; [60]-[63]). The extension period cannot exceed ten years (see para [48]). The total extended sentence for a statutory offence cannot exceed the statutory maximum term (see paras [48]-[49]).

West v HM Prison Bure

[2013] EWCA Civ 604 · 22 April 2013

The court applied the provision as requiring an extended licence period where ordinary licence would not adequately protect the public from future serious harm. The sentencing judge made no legal error; the relevant issue was prospective risk, not the harm actually caused by earlier conduct (see paras [30]-[33]).

Baker & Anor v R.

[2020] EWCA Crim 176 · 19 February 2020Interprets

The court explained that the Scottish provision considered in Brown concerned whether an ordinary licence period was adequate. That statutory context did not resolve the issues under the Criminal Justice Act 2003. (see paras [30]-[31])

What each judgment says about section 210A is in the case-law panel in the full Act.

Amendments and notes

32 notes from legislation.gov.uk

Amendments

  1. F1568S. 210A inserted (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 86(1); S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(s) (subject to arts. 5-8)
  2. F1569Words in s. 210A heading substituted (12.4.2019) by Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), ss. 10(2), 27(3) (with s. 25(3))
  3. F1570Words in s. 210A(1) substituted (12.4.2019) by Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), ss. 10(3)(a), 27(3) (with s. 25(3))
  4. F1571Words in s. 210A(1)(a)(ii) inserted (12.4.2019) by Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), ss. 10(3)(b), 27(3) (with s. 25(3))
  5. F1572Word in s. 210A(1) omitted (29.6.2021) by virtue of Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 (c. 11), s. 50(2)(v), Sch. 13 para. 53(4)(a)
  6. F1573S. 210A(1)(c) and preceding word inserted (29.6.2021) by Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 (c. 11), s. 50(2)(v), Sch. 13 para. 53(4)(b)
  7. F1574Word in s. 210A(3)(a) omitted (12.4.2019) by virtue of Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), ss. 10(4)(a), 27(3) (with s. 25(3))
  8. F1575Word in s. 210A(3)(b) substituted (28.1.2003) by The Extended Sentences for Violent Offenders (Scotland) Order 2003 (S.S.I. 2003/48), art. 2 (with art. 1(2))
  9. F1576S. 210A(3)(c) and word inserted (12.4.2019) by Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), ss. 10(4)(b), 27(3) (with s. 25(3))
  10. F1577Words in s. 210A(6) substituted (4.10.2004) by Criminal Procedure (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 5), ss. 21, 27(1); S.S.I. 2004/405, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to savings in arts. 3-5)
  11. F1578Words in s. 210A(10) inserted (1.12.2010) by Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (asp 9), ss. 61, 62(2), Sch. 5 para. 2(6)(a); S.S.I. 2010/357, art. 2(a)
  12. F1579S. 210A(10): words in the definition of "sexual offence" inserted (1.12.2010) by The Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (Supplemental and Consequential Provisions) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/421), art. 2, Sch. para. 1(3)(a)(i)
  13. F1580S. 210A(10): words in the definition of "sexual offence" inserted (1.12.2010) by The Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (Supplemental and Consequential Provisions) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/421), art. 2, Sch. para. 1(3)(a)(ii)
  14. F1581Words in s. 210A(10) repealed (1.12.2010) by Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (asp 9), ss. 61, 62(2), Sch. 6; S.S.I. 2010/357, art. 2(a)
  15. F1582S. 210A: word “and”immediately preceding s. 210A(10) para. (xix) omitted (8.1.2001) by virtue of 2000 c. 44, s. 6(2); S.S.I. 2000/452, art. 2(f)
  16. F1583Word in s. 210A(10) in definition of "sexual offence" omitted (5.10.2005) by virtue of Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13), ss. 312(a), 333(2)-(4); S.S.I. 2005/161, art. 3
  17. F1584S. 210A(xx) and the preceding “and”inserted (8.1.2001) by 2000 c. 44, s. 6(2); S.S.I. 2000/452, art. 2(f)
  18. F1585S. 210A(10): word repealed (23.4.2007) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 19(a); S.S.I. 2007/250, art. 3(i) (subject to art. 4)
  19. F1586Words in s. 210A(10) in definition of "sexual offence" added (5.10.2005) by Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13), ss. 312(b), 333(2)-(4); S.S.I. 2005/161, art. 3
  20. F1587S. 210A(10): words added (23.4.2007) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 19(b); S.S.I. 2007/250, art. 3(i) (subject to art. 4)
  21. F1588S. 210A(10)(xxvii) and word inserted (1.12.2010) by Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (asp 9), ss. 61, 62(2), Sch. 5 para. 2(6)(b); S.S.I. 2010/357, art. 2(a)
  22. F1589S. 210A(10): words in the definition of "sexual offence" added (13.12.2010 for all purposes in respect of offences committed on or after this date) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 23(a), 206(1); S.S.I. 2010/413, art. 2, Sch.
  23. F1590Word in s. 210A(10) omitted (12.4.2019) by virtue of Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), ss. 10(5)(a), 27(3) (with s. 25(3))
  24. F1591Words in s. 210A(10) substituted (29.6.2021) by Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 (c. 11), ss. 19(2), 50(2)(k)
  25. F1592S. 210A(11) substituted (1.12.2010) by The Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (Supplemental and Consequential Provisions) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/421), art. 2, Sch. para. 1(3)(b)
  26. F1593S. 210A(12) added (13.12.2010 for all purposes in respect of offences committed on or after this date) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 23(b), 206(1); S.S.I. 2010/413, art. 2, Sch.

Modifications

  1. C309S. 210A restricted (15.3.2007) by The Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (Commencement and Savings) Order 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/250), art. 4

Marginal citations

  1. M321993 c.9.
  2. M331979 c.2.
  3. M341876 c.36.
  4. M351982 c.45.
  5. M361995 c.39.