The new guideline for sentencing offenders with mental disorders comes into effect today, 1 October 2020.

Overarching principles: Sentencing offenders with mental disorders, developmental disorders, or neurological impairments will provide judges and magistrates with clarity and transparency in this difficult and complex area of sentencing.

The guideline applies to adults who at the time of the offence and/or at the time of sentencing have:

• mental disorders – conditions such as schizophrenia, depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
• developmental disorders – autism or learning disability, or
• neurological impairments – acquired brain injury (ABI) or dementia.