Sentencing Act 2026 - Where Are We Now?

Introduction

This webinar will look at the key changes brought about by the Sentencing Act 2026. This is aimed at busy practitioners who want an easy yet comprehensive digest of the main changes brought about by the Sentencing Act 2026 up to 5 October 2026.

It is critical for any criminal justice practitioner to know about the fundamental changes from this legislation and to have that information at their fingertips.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Presumption of suspended sentence orders for sentences of 12 months or less - looking at exceptional circumstances and exemptions
• Allowance for sentences up to 3 years to be suspended
• Looking at some of the recent case authorities - e.g. R v Fiona Hodge [2026]
• Amending purposes of sentencing
• Deferment periods - extended to 12 months
• Judicial findings on domestic abuse at point of sentencing, into force on 5 October 2026, Amendments to Sentencing Guidelines (on 1 October 2026) as a result of Sentencing Act 2026
• Whole life orders for murder of police, prison or probation officers
• New community order requirements - consideration of commencement no. 5 regulations and provisions into force on 2 September 2026
• Sentencing Guidelines and approval pre-issuance
• Amendments to Bail Act 1976
• Deportation liability amendments and commencement regulations no. 2
• Release provisions - looking at fixed term sentences, commencement regulations no. 6 and provisions into force on 1 October 2026 and 8 June 2027