Rape of a Child Under 13

SDS+ Section 250

Legislation

Statute

Sexual Offences Act 2003

Section

Section 5

Life Sentence Eligible

Yes

View on legislation.gov.uk

244ZA(7) sexual Schedule15 Part2 Section250 ProgressionExcluded Sds40Excluded

Triggers section 244ZA release provisions (SDS+) - served at 2/3 of sentence

Classified as a sexual offence

Listed in Schedule 15 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003

Part 2 of Schedule 15: Specified sexual offences

Eligible for Section 250 youth detention (offenders under 18) - release at 50%

ProgressionExcluded

Sds40Excluded

How this offence affects release dates under the Sentencing Act 2026

This offence triggers the special release provisions under section 244ZA of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (as amended by the Sentencing Act 2026).

Release point now: Two-thirds (⅔) of the custodial term
From 1 October 2026: Still two-thirds — this offence is in the Schedule to SI 2026/953, so the release point does not move
Applies to: Sentences of 7 years or more, or 4 years or more for an offence in the section 244ZA(7) list
Note: Additional criteria may apply based on sentence date

Additional Notes

Maximum life imprisonment

Special release rules for offenders sentenced when under 18

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. Section 23(10) was not commenced for them (SI 2026/953, regulation 6)
Applies to: Detention in a Young Offender Institution or Secure Training Centre

Learn More About Youth Sentencing