Sentencing & Release
Last updated: 23 January 2026

Section 244ZA

Also known as: “244ZA” “SDS+”

A provision in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 that applies to serious violent and sexual offences listed in Schedule 15. Sentences for these offences (SDS+) have a higher release fraction - currently two-thirds, moving to one-half under the Sentencing Act 2026.

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Section 244ZA

SDS+ Sentence

A more serious standard determinate sentence under section 244ZA of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. Release is currently at two-thirds, changing to one-half under the Sentencing Act 2026. Applies to certain violent and sexual offences listed in Schedule 15.

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