1129New section 32AA inserted

1129 New section 32AA inserted

After section 32 of the Sentencing Act 1991 insert—

"32AA Court not to impose a sentence of detention on young offender who was under 14 years of age at time of offence other than in certain circumstances

(1) A court must not impose a sentence of detention on a young offender who it finds guilty of an offence if, at the time the offence was committed, the young offender was under 14 years of age.

(2) Despite subsection (1), a court may make any order under this Act, including imposing a sentence of detention, if—

(a) the offence is—

(i) a Category A serious youth offence; or

(ii) a Category B serious youth offence; or

(iii) any other offence against the person that the court considers to be serious and violent; and

(b) the Court considers that the young offender presents a serious risk to community safety.".