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Section 15: Committal for sentence of dangerous adult offenders

Sentencing Act 2020 · 2020 c. 17View on legislation.gov.uk

Part 2: Powers exercisable before passing sentence — CHAPTER 2: Committal to the Crown Court for sentence

This section applies where—

on the summary trial of a specified offence (see section 306) triable either way a person aged 18 or over is convicted of the offence, and
the court is of the opinion that an extended sentence of detention in a young offender institution or of imprisonment (see section 266 or 279) would be available in relation to the offence.

This section also applies where—

on the summary trial of an offence specified in Schedule 17A triable either way a person is convicted of the offence, and
the court is of the opinion that the circumstances are such that a serious terrorism sentence (see section 268A or 282A) may be required to be imposed.

The court must commit the offender in custody or on bail to the Crown Court for sentence in accordance with section 21(2).

For powers of the court, where it commits a person under subsection (2), also to commit in respect of other offences, see section 20.

In doing anything under or contemplated by this section, the court is not bound by any indication of sentence given in respect of the offence under section 20 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (procedure where summary trial appears more suitable).

Nothing the court does under this section may be challenged or be the subject of any appeal in any court on the ground that it is inconsistent with an indication of sentence.

Nothing in this section prevents the court from committing an offender convicted of an offence to the Crown Court for sentence under section 14 or 18 if the provisions of that section are satisfied.

About this text

This legislation text comes from legislation.gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. These source and reuse terms cover the legislation text, not Remedy's commentary.

Reuse reviewed 21 August 2026 under Open Government Licence v3.0.