Attempted Kidnapping

Section 250

Also known as: Attempt to Kidnap

Legislation

Statute

Criminal Attempts Act 1981

Section

Section 1

Life Sentence Eligible

No

View on legislation.gov.uk

Classification

violent Schedule15 Part1 Section250 inchoate
Classified as a violent offence
Listed in Schedule 15 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003
Part 1 of Schedule 15: Specified violent offences
Eligible for Section 250 youth detention (offenders under 18) - release at 50%
inchoate

Release Information

How this offence affects release dates under the Sentencing Act 2026

Standard Release Provisions Apply

This offence does not trigger section 244ZA(7), so standard release rules apply:

  • SDS (post-commencement): One-third (⅓) release point
  • SDS (pre-commencement): Halfway (½) release point
  • Note: The applicable regime depends on sentence date

Additional Notes

Attempt to commit kidnapping. Listed under Schedule 15 paragraph 64(2).

Youth Detention (Section 250)

Special release rules for offenders sentenced when under 18

Section 250 Youth Detention Applies

When this offence is committed by someone under 18 years old, Section 250 of the Sentencing Act 2020 governs their release:

  • Release point: Halfway (50%) of the custodial term
  • Not affected by SA 2026: Youth sentences are NOT subject to the one-third release changes
  • Applies to: Detention in a Young Offender Institution or Secure Training Centre

Further Reading

Guides and resources related to this offence