Minimum Terms

Minimum terms set for young offenders by the Lord Chief Justice

A person convicted of a murder committed when he or she was under the age of 18 is sentenced to detention at Her Majesty's pleasure. A minimum term is set for each such offender. The minimum term is the period that must be served before the Parole Board considers that individual for release. The offender will not be automatically released on expiry of the minimum term. Instead, he or she will be subject to a risk assessment by the Parole Board, the principal aim of the Board being to protect the public. If the Parole Board considers that an offender is suitable for release, he or she will be released on licence, subject to supervision in the community and at risk of recall to custody for the rest of his or her life.

Review of Minimum Terms set for Young Offenders detained at her Majesty's Pleasure - a statement by the Lord Chief Justice