Section 15: Sentencing of young offenders

15. Sentencing of young offenders (1) Before sentencing a minor, a Court shall ascertain his age and consider— (a) the evidence available as to the character and previous conduct of the minor and the circumstances of the offence; (b) whether it is expedient for his reformation that he should undergo a period of training in a Correctional Youth Centre or a Rehabilitation Youth Centre, as the case may be; (c) any report or representation which may be made to it by or on behalf of the Chief Probation Officer in consultation with the Commissioner as to the suitability of the case for treatment in a Correctional Youth Centre or a Rehabilitation Youth Centre; and (d) the state of health and mental condition of the minor, especially with regard to the benefit that he would be likely to derive from instruction and discipline in a Correctional Youth Centre or a Rehabilitation Youth Centre. (2) Subject to subsection (3), where the Court is satisfied that it is expedient for the reformation of a minor that he should undergo training in a Correctional Youth Centre or a Rehabilitation Youth Centre, it may direct that the minor be sent to that institution as appropriate. (3) Subject to this Act, any sentence of training in a Correctional Youth Centre or a Rehabilitation Youth Centre shall— (a) be for a minimum period of 2 years; and (b) include supervision under section 49. [S. 15 amended by Act 15 of 1998.]