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Reduction in sentence for a guilty plea - first hearing on or after 1 June 2017

s.73 Sentencing Code · Both

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Sentencing framework

This guideline encourages defendants to plead guilty as early as possible in the proceedings to reduce their sentence. The reduction in sentence varies based on when the guilty plea is entered, with a maximum of one-third for early pleas and lesser reductions for later pleas. The guideline underscores that the extent of the plea's impact is independent of personal mitigating factors.

Court

Both

Mitigating factors

  • ·Admissions at interview
  • ·Co-operation with the investigation
  • ·Demonstrations of remorse

The sentencing process, step by step

  1. Step 1 — Determine the appropriate sentence for the offence in accordance with any offence specific sentencing guideline.
  2. Step 2 — Determine the level of reduction for a guilty plea in accordance with this guideline.
  3. Step 3 — State the amount of that reduction.
  4. Step 4 — Apply the reduction to the appropriate sentence.
  5. Step 5 — Follow any further steps in the offence specific guideline to determine the final sentence.

Always read the full guideline

This is a one-page summary. For any live case, sentencing exercise, or legal advice the authoritative source is the Sentencing Council's own definitive guideline — including the category bands, step-by-step sentencing approach, and all statutory factors not captured here.

Open the full guideline on sentencingcouncil.org.uk

Source: Sentencing Council · Crown copyright, licensed under Open Government Licence v3.0. Summary fetched 2026-06-28. Not legal advice — see a regulated adviser for any live case.