Sentencing Act 2020 (from the 1 December 2020)

The Sentencing Act 2020 creates the Sentencing Code, which brings together the legislative provisions which courts in England and Wales refer to when making sentencing decisions – for example, different types of sentences. Its scope covers adult and youth sentencing. It does not affect maximum penalties for criminal offences or release provisions. 

Anyone who is convicted of an offence on or after 1 December 2020 will be sentenced under the Code, regardless of when they committed their offence.

The Ministry of Justice have created a quick reference table for sentences for under 18s which can be imposed under the Sentencing Code.