Section 139 applies in relation to convictions or (as the case may be) cautions before the commencement date (as well as in relation to convictions or cautions on or after that date).
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 ("the 1974 Act") applies in relation to convictions or cautions before the commencement date as if the amendments and repeals made by section 139 had always had effect.
Where by virtue of subsection (2)—
the person or conviction concerned is (subject to any order made by virtue of section 4(4) or 7(4) of that Act) to be so treated on and after that date.
Where by virtue of subsection (2)—
the person or caution concerned is (subject to any order made by virtue of paragraph 4 or 6(1) and (4) of that Schedule to that Act) to be so treated on and after that date.
But—
is to cease to be so treated merely because of section 139.
Section 139 does not apply in relation to alternatives to prosecution given before the commencement date.
Section 140 applies in relation to convictions before the commencement date (as well as in relation to convictions on or after that date).
Section 140 applies as mentioned in subsection (7) above whether or not, immediately before the commencement date—
But section 140 does not affect—
Schedule 25 (consequential provision) has effect.
Any reference in this section to section 139 is to be read as including a reference to Schedule 25.
In this section "the commencement date" means such day as may be specified by order of the Secretary of State made by statutory instrument; and different days may be specified for different purposes.