This note covers the sentences that may be imposed by the magistrates' court.

The Sentencing Act 2020 and the Sentencing Act 2020 (Commencement No 1) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/1236) bring the Sentencing Code into force from 1 December 2020. The Code consolidates procedure but does not make changes to the substantive law on sentencing and must be followed from 1 December 2020. It applies to any person or company convicted after that date. For further information and an overview of the Code, see Legal update, The Sentencing Act 2020 (Commencement No 1) Regulations 2020 brings Sentencing Code into force on 1 December 2020.