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<p>There is a distinct and separate sentencing framework for children aged 10 to 17
which recognises that children have their own specific needs which require a different
approach. The Government currently has no plans to extend this framework to offenders
aged over 18.</p><p>The Sentencing Council’s overarching and offence-specific guidelines
include age and/or lack of maturity as a mitigating factor, as it can affect the offender’s
responsibility for the offence and the effect of the sentence on the offender which
may justify a reduction in the sentence. Courts must follow any relevant sentencing
guidelines, unless it is in the interests of justice not to do so.</p><p>The Council
is currently consulting to revise the Imposition of community and custodial sentences
guideline. Proposals include a new section focused on the effective sentencing of
young adult offenders (aged between 18-25 years).</p><p>The Ministry of Justice and
Her Majesty’s Prisons and Probation Service are committed to developing approaches
which respond to young adults’ specific needs relating to their maturity and development,
pre-sentence at court as well as while on a custodial or a community sentence.</p>
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