Member

Let us remind ourselves what a pre-sentence report is, and what it is not. It is not the sentence itself. Sentencing decisions are rightly governed by separate judicial guidance, based on culpability, harm caused and established sentencing ranges. Those guidelines remain in place. What the pre-sentence report does is help the court to understand the background and circumstances of the offender—information that is needed to establish effective pathways to rehabilitation, particularly when the offender has experienced issues such as mental health challenges, learning difficulties or lifelong trauma.