(1) The Sentencing Code is amended as follows.

(2) After section 252 insert -

"Special custodial sentence for terrorist offenders

252A. Required special sentence of detention for terrorist offenders of particular concern

(1) Subsections (3) to (5) apply where -

(a) a person aged under 18 is convicted of an offence listed in Part 1 of Schedule 13 (offences involving or connected with terrorism),

(b) the offence was committed on or after the day on which section 22 of the Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 came into force,

(c) the court does not impose either of the following for the offence (or for an offence associated with it) -

(i) a sentence of detention for life under section 250, or

(ii) an extended sentence of detention under section 254, and

(d) the court would, apart from this section, impose a custodial sentence (see, in particular, section 230(2)).

(2) In determining for the purposes of subsection (1)(d) whether it would impose a custodial sentence, the court must disregard any restriction on its power to impose such a sentence by reference to the age of the offender.

(3) The court must impose a sentence of detention under this section.