Extended Licence for Dangerous Offenders

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“An extended sentence is designed for defendants assessed as dangerous but for whom a sentence of life imprisonment is not required.”

On this page …

What is an extended sentence?
When can the court pass an extended sentence?
What is meant by a Specified Offence?
What is a Dangerous Offender?
How is Dangerousness assessed?
How much time is served in custody during an extended sentence?
How long can the extended licence period last for?
How it works - Extended sentence example

What is an extended sentence?

An extended sentence is designed for defendants assessed as dangerous but for whom a sentence of life imprisonment is not required.

With an extended sentence there is a custodial element and a licence element. It is this licence element which is extended in this type of sentence, the purpose being the protection of the public.

The power to impose extended sentences is contained in s.266 Sentencing Act 2020 (for defendants aged 18-20 when convicted) and s.279 Sentencing Act 2020 (for defendants aged 21 or over when convicted).

Read on for when an extended sentence can be imposed, how ‘dangerousness’ is assessed, what proportion of the overall sentence will be spent in custody and on licence, and a clear example to illustrate how an extended sentence works in practice.

This page relates to the sentencing of adults (over 18s) only.