Section 384: Commencement of sentence

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

Part 12: Miscellaneous provision about sentencing — CHAPTER 2: Commencement and alteration of sentence

A sentence imposed by a court when dealing with an offender takes effect from the beginning of the day on which it is imposed, unless the court otherwise directs.

The power to give a direction under subsection (1) is subject to section 225 (restriction on consecutive sentences for released prisoners).

This section is subject to—

section 198 (when a youth rehabilitation order is in force);
sections 237, 253, 257 and 270 (interaction of detention and training order with other sentences);
section 334 (duration of criminal behaviour order);
section 385(5) (alteration of Crown Court sentence);
section 142(5) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (power of magistrates' court to re-open cases to rectify mistakes etc).

In this section—

  • “sentence” has the meaning given by section 401, but—

    (a)also includes a recommendation for deportation made when dealing with an offender, and

    (b)does not include an order relating to a requirement to make a payment under regulations under section 23 or 24 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (legal aid: payment for services and enforcement);

  • “imposed” includes made.

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