House of Commons portcullis
House of Commons
Session 2003 - 04
Internet Publications
Other Bills before Parliament

Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [HL]


Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [HL]
Schedule 2 — Supervision orders on finding of insanity or unfitness to plead etc

28

 

(b)   

substitutes for those requirements other requirements

which can be complied with if the supervised person

ceases to reside in that area.

Amendment of requirements of order

11    (1)  

Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 10 above, but

5

subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, a magistrates’ court for the

local justice area concerned may, on the application of the

supervised person or the supervising officer, by order amend a

supervision order—

(a)   

by cancelling any of the requirements of the order; or

10

(b)   

by inserting in the order (either in addition to or in

substitution for any such requirement) any requirement

which the court could include if it were the court by which

the order was made and were then making it.

      (2)  

The power of a magistrates’ court under sub-paragraph (1) above

15

shall not include power to amend an order by extending the

period specified in it beyond the end of two years from the day of

the original order.

Amendment of requirements in pursuance of medical report

12    (1)  

Where the medical practitioner by whom or under whose

20

direction the supervised person is being treated for his mental

condition in pursuance of any requirement of a supervision

order—

(a)   

is of the opinion mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) below, or

(b)   

is for any reason unwilling to continue to treat or direct the

25

treatment of the supervised person,

           

he shall make a report in writing to that effect to the supervising

officer and that officer shall apply under paragraph 11 above to a

magistrates’ court for the local justice area concerned for the

variation or cancellation of the requirement.

30

      (2)  

The opinion referred to in sub-paragraph (1) above is—

(a)   

that the treatment of the supervised person should be

continued beyond the period specified in the supervision

order;

(b)   

that the supervised person needs different treatment,

35

being treatment of a kind to which he could be required to

submit in pursuance of such an order;

(c)   

that the supervised person is not susceptible to treatment;

or

(d)   

that the supervised person does not require further

40

treatment.

Supplemental

13    (1)  

On the making under paragraph 9 above of an order revoking a

supervision order, the designated officer for the local justice area

concerned, or (as the case may be) the Crown Court, shall

45

forthwith give copies of the revoking order to the supervising

officer.

 

 

Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [HL]
Schedule 3 — Intermittent custody

29

 

      (2)  

A supervising officer to whom in accordance with sub-paragraph

(1) above copies of a revoking order are given shall give a copy to

the supervised person and to the person in charge of any

institution in which the supervised person is residing.

14    (1)  

On the making under paragraph 10 or 11 above of any order

5

amending a supervision order, the designated officer for the local

justice area concerned shall forthwith—

(a)   

if the order amends the supervision order otherwise than

by substituting a new area or a new place for the one

specified in the supervision order, give copies of the

10

amending order to the supervising officer;

(b)   

if the order amends the supervision order in the manner

excepted by paragraph (a) above, send to the designated

officer for the new local justice area concerned—

(i)   

copies of the amending order; and

15

(ii)   

such documents and information relating to the

case as he considers likely to be of assistance to a

court acting for that area in exercising its functions

in relation to the order;

           

and in a case falling within paragraph (b) above, the designated

20

officer for that area shall give copies of the amending order to the

supervising officer.

      (2)  

Where the designated officer for the court making the order is also

the designated officer for the new local justice area—

(a)   

sub-paragraph (1)(b) above does not apply; but

25

(b)   

the designated officers shall give copies of the amending

order to the supervising officer.

      (3)  

Where in accordance with sub-paragraph (1) or (2) above copies of

an order are given to the supervising officer, he shall give a copy

to the supervised person and to the person in charge of any

30

institution in which the supervised person is or was residing.”

Schedule 3

Section 20

 

Intermittent custody

1          

The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44) is amended as follows.

2          

In section 244 (duty to release prisoners), in subsection (3)—

35

(a)   

in paragraph (c), for the words from “which is not” to “section

183(3)” substitute “which for the purposes of section 183 (as read

with section 263(2) or 264A(2) in the case of concurrent or

consecutive sentences) is not a licence period”;

(b)   

in paragraph (d), after “consecutive sentences” insert “none of which

40

falls within paragraph (c)”.

3          

In section 246 (power to release prisoners on licence before required to do

so), in the definition of “the required custodial days” in subsection (6)—

(a)   

in paragraph (b), after “custody” insert “which are consecutive”;

 

 

Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [HL]
Schedule 3 — Intermittent custody

30

 

(b)   

at the end of that paragraph insert “, or

(c)   

in the case of two or more sentences of intermittent

custody which are wholly or partly concurrent, the

aggregate of the numbers so specified less the

number of days that are to be served

5

concurrently;”.

4          

In section 249 (duration of licence), at the end of subsection (3) insert “and

subsection (2) has effect subject to section 264A(3) (consecutive terms:

intermittent custody)”.

5          

In section 250 (licence conditions), in subsection (7), for “and section 264(3)

10

and (4) (consecutive terms)” substitute “, section 264(3) and (4) (consecutive

terms) and section 264A(3) (consecutive terms: intermittent custody)”.

6          

In section 264 (consecutive terms), in subsection (1), after paragraph (b)

insert “, and

(c)   

none of those terms is a term to which an intermittent

15

custody order relates.”

7          

After that section insert—

        

“264A  Consecutive terms: intermittent custody

(1)   

This section applies where—

(a)   

a person (“the offender”) has been sentenced to two or more

20

terms of imprisonment which are to be served consecutively

on each other,

(b)   

the sentences were passed on the same occasion or, where

they were passed on different occasions, the person has not

been released under this Chapter at any time during the

25

period beginning with the first and ending with the last of

those occasions, and

(c)   

each of the terms is a term to which an intermittent custody

order relates.

(2)   

The offender is not to be treated as having served all the required

30

custodial days in relation to any of the terms of imprisonment until

he has served the aggregate of all the required custodial days in

relation to each of them.

(3)   

After the number of days served by the offender in prison is equal to

the aggregate of the required custodial days in relation to each of the

35

terms of imprisonment, the offender is to be on licence until the

relevant time and subject to such conditions as are required by this

Chapter in respect of any of the terms of imprisonment, and none of

the terms is to be regarded for any purpose as continuing after the

relevant time.

40

(4)   

In subsection (3) “the relevant time” means the time when the

offender would, but for his release, have served a term equal in

length to the aggregate of—

(a)   

all the required custodial days in relation to the terms of

imprisonment, and

45

(b)   

the longest of the total licence periods in relation to those

terms.

 

 

Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [HL]
Schedule 4 — Investigations by Parliamentary Commissioner

31

 

(5)   

In this section—

   

“total licence period”, in relation to a term of imprisonment to

which an intermittent custody order relates, means a period

equal in length to the aggregate of all the licence periods as

defined by section 183 in relation to that term;

5

   

“the required custodial days”, in relation to such a term, means

the number of days specified under that section.”

Schedule 4

Section 24

 

Investigations by Parliamentary Commissioner

1          

The Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (c. 13) is amended as follows.

10

2     (1)  

Section 5 (matters subject to investigation) is amended as follows.

      (2)  

After subsection (1) insert—

“(1A)   

Subsection (1C) of this section applies if—

(a)   

a written complaint is duly made to a member of the House

of Commons by a member of the public who claims that a

15

person has failed to perform a relevant duty owed by him to

the member of the public, and

(b)   

the complaint is referred to the Commissioner, with the

consent of the person who made it, by a member of the House

of Commons with a request to conduct an investigation into

20

it.

(1B)   

For the purposes of subsection (1A) of this section a relevant duty is

a duty imposed by—

(a)   

a code of practice issued under section 21 of the Domestic

Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (code of practice for

25

victims), or

(b)   

section 69 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000

(duties of local probation boards in connection with victims

of certain offences).

(1C)   

If this subsection applies, the Commissioner may investigate the

30

complaint.”

      (3)  

In subsection (3) for “investigation under this Act” substitute “investigation

under subsection (1) of this section”.

      (4)  

After subsection (4) insert—

“(4A)   

Without prejudice to subsection (2) of this section, the Commissioner

35

shall not conduct an investigation pursuant to a complaint under

subsection (1A) of this section in respect of—

(a)   

action taken by or with the authority of the Secretary of State

for the purposes of protecting the security of the State,

including action so taken with respect to passports, or

40

(b)   

any action or matter described in any of paragraphs 1 to 4 and

6A to 11 of Schedule 3 to this Act.

 

 

Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [HL]
Schedule 4 — Investigations by Parliamentary Commissioner

32

 

(4B)   

Her Majesty may by Order in Council amend subsection (4A) of this

section so as to exclude from paragraph (a) or (b) of that subsection

such actions or matters as may be described in the Order.

(4C)   

Any statutory instrument made by virtue of subsection (4B) of this

section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of

5

either House of Parliament.”

3     (1)  

Section 7 (procedure in respect of investigations) is amended as follows.

      (2)  

In subsection (1) after “complaint under” insert “section 5(1) of”.

      (3)  

After subsection (1) insert—

“(1A)   

Where the Commissioner proposes to conduct an investigation

10

pursuant to a complaint under section 5(1A) of this Act, he shall give

the person to whom the complaint relates an opportunity to

comment on any allegations contained in the complaint.”

      (4)  

In subsection (2) for “such investigation” substitute “investigation under this

Act”.

15

      (5)  

In subsection (4)—

(a)   

after “authority concerned” insert “or the person to whom the

complaint relates”;

(b)   

for “that department or authority” substitute “that department,

authority or person”.

20

4     (1)  

Section 8 (evidence) is amended as follows.

      (2)  

In subsection (1) after “investigation under” insert “section 5(1) of”.

      (3)  

After subsection (1) insert—

“(1A)   

For the purposes of an investigation pursuant to a complaint under

section 5(1A) of this Act the Commissioner may require any person

25

who in his opinion is able to furnish information or produce

documents relevant to the investigation to furnish any such

information or produce any such document.”

      (4)  

In subsection (2) for “such investigation” substitute “investigation under this

Act”.

30

5     (1)  

Section 10 (reports by Commissioner) is amended as follows.

      (2)  

In subsection (2), after “investigation under” insert “section 5(1) of”.

      (3)  

After subsection (2) insert—

“(2A)   

In any case where the Commissioner conducts an investigation

pursuant to a complaint under section 5(1A) of this Act, he shall also

35

send a report of the results of the investigation to the person to whom

the complaint relates.”

      (4)  

In subsection (3) after “investigation under” insert “section 5(1) of”.

      (5)  

After subsection (3) insert—

“(3A)   

If, after conducting an investigation pursuant to a complaint under

40

section 5(1A) of this Act, it appears to the Commissioner that—

(a)   

the person to whom the complaint relates has failed to

perform a relevant duty owed by him to the person

aggrieved, and

(b)   

the failure has not been, or will not be, remedied,

45

 

 

Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [HL]
Schedule 5 — Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses

33

 

   

the Commissioner may, if he thinks fit, lay before each House of

Parliament a special report upon the case.

(3B)   

For the purposes of subsection (3A) of this section “relevant duty”

has the meaning given by section 5(1B) of this Act.”

      (6)  

In subsection (5)(d) after “subsection (2)” insert “or (2A)”.

5

6          

In section 12(1) (interpretation) for the definition of “person aggrieved”

substitute—

           

““person aggrieved”—

(a)   

in relation to a complaint under section 5(1) of this Act,

means the person who claims or is alleged to have sustained

10

such injustice as is mentioned in section 5(1)(a) of this Act;

(b)   

in relation to a complaint under section 5(1A) of this Act,

means the person to whom the duty referred to in section

5(1A)(a) of this Act is or is alleged to be owed;”.

Schedule 5

15

Section 25

 

Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses

Deputy Commissioner

1     (1)  

The Secretary of State must appoint a Deputy Commissioner for Victims and

Witnesses (referred to in this Schedule as the Deputy Commissioner).

      (2)  

Before appointing the Deputy Commissioner the Secretary of State must

20

consult the Attorney General and the Lord Chancellor as to the person to be

appointed.

      (3)  

The Deputy Commissioner must act as the Commissioner—

(a)   

during any period when the office of Commissioner is vacant;

(b)   

at any time when the Commissioner is absent or is unable to act.

25

      (4)  

The Deputy Commissioner is not to be regarded—

(a)   

as the servant or agent of the Crown, or

(b)   

as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.

Terms of appointment

2     (1)  

This paragraph applies in relation to a person appointed as the

30

Commissioner or the Deputy Commissioner.

      (2)  

The period for which the person is appointed must not exceed 5 years.

      (3)  

Subject to sub-paragraph (4), the person is eligible for re-appointment.

      (4)  

The person must not hold office for more than 10 years in total.

      (5)  

The person may at any time resign from office by giving notice in writing to

35

the Secretary of State.

      (6)  

The Secretary of State may at any time remove the person from office if he is

satisfied that the person—

(a)   

has become bankrupt, has had his estate sequestrated or has made a

composition or arrangement with, or granted a trust deed for, his

40

creditors, or

 

 

Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [HL]
Schedule 5 — Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses

34

 

(b)   

is otherwise unable or unfit to carry out his functions.

      (7)  

The Secretary of State must consult the Attorney General and the Lord

Chancellor before removing the person from office.

      (8)  

Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) to (7), the person holds office on the terms

specified by the Secretary of State after consulting the Attorney General and

5

the Lord Chancellor.

Staff

3     (1)  

The Commissioner may appoint such persons as members of his staff as he

thinks fit.

      (2)  

The Commissioner must obtain the approval of the Secretary of State to—

10

(a)   

the number of persons appointed as members of his staff, and

(b)   

their terms and conditions of service.

      (3)  

No member of the staff of the Commissioner is to be regarded—

(a)   

as the servant or agent of the Crown, or

(b)   

as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.

15

Delegation

4          

The Commissioner may authorise any member of his staff or the Deputy

Commissioner to carry out any of his functions.

Pensions

5     (1)  

Schedule 1 to the Superannuation Act 1972 (c. 11) (kinds of employment and

20

offices to which a scheme under section 1 of that Act may apply) is amended

as set out in sub-paragraphs (2) and (3).

      (2)  

At the end of the list headed “Other Bodies” insert—

“Employment as a member of the staff of the Commissioner for Victims

and Witnesses.”

25

      (3)  

In the list headed “Offices”, in the appropriate places, insert—

“Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses.”

“Deputy Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses.”

      (4)  

The Secretary of State must pay to the Minister for the Civil Service, at such

times as the Minister for the Civil Service may direct, such sums as the

30

Minister for the Civil Service may determine in respect of the increase

attributable to sub-paragraphs (1) to (3) in the sums payable out of money

provided by Parliament under the Superannuation Act 1972.

Finance

6          

The Secretary of State must pay—

35

(a)   

the remuneration of the Commissioner and the Deputy

Commissioner;

(b)   

such sums as he thinks fit in respect of the expenses of the

Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner.

 

 

 
previous section contents continue
 
House of Commons home page Houses of Parliament home page House of Lords home page search page enquiries

© Parliamentary copyright 2004
Revised 30 March 2004