An absolute discharge is a type of sentence where the court decides it is not appropriate to give any punishment.1
A person given an absolute discharge will have a criminal record but the conviction becomes a spent conviction immediately.
An absolute discharge can only be considered for offences that are not fixed by law or subject to a mandatory minimum sentence.
An absolute discharge is an available sentence for both children and adults.
- 1. Section 12(1)(a), Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000