Pre-sanction Report
A probation officer interviews the offender and perhaps their family in the course of preparing the report. Initially the offender will be invited to attend our offices for interview and afterwards the probation officer will visit the offender at home. The officer may wish, with appropriate permission, to talk with others who know the offender. This might include for example, teachers or employers.
If remanded in custody, the probation officer will visit the offender in the prison or place of detention.
The Officer will make an assessment of the risk posed of re-offending. Among the areas considered
- The seriousness of the offence
- Offender’s attitude to the offence
- Why the offender committed the offence
- Empathy towards the victim/s involved
- Areas in the life of the offender where support and assistance may be required, such as drugs and homelessness.
The pre-sanction report will be completed in the time asked for by the Judge. The report is the property of the court. It is given to the defence solicitor and may be given to the prosecution.
What will the Judge do then?
Once the court has consulted the report, a sentence will be passed. Some options include:
- Dismissal under the Probation of Offenders Act
- A probation order
- Adjournment on supervision for a further progress report
- Bound to the Peace
- Fine
- Sentence of detention or imprisonment
- Conditional Suspended sentence
- Suspended sentence
