In accordance with section 122(2) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, the Sentencing Council issues this definitive guideline. It applies to all defendants in the magistrates’ court (including youths jointly charged with adults) whose cases are dealt with on or after 1 March 2016.
It also applies to allocation decisions made in the Crown Court pursuant to Schedule 3 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
It will not be applicable in the youth court where a separate statutory procedure applies.