Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR)

The OLR is an indeterminate life sentence that provides for the lifelong risk management of people who the judge at the High Court believes meet the risk criteria. This means, if “at liberty they would seriously endanger the lives, or physical or psychological well-being, of members of the public”. The OLR is designed to ensure that work is undertaken with people during their sentence and that they do not present an unacceptable risk of serious harm once they are released into the community. The period spent in the community will be an integral part of the sentence, which lasts for the remaining period of the convicted person’s life. You can find more information about OLR’s on the Risk Management Authority website.

The most recent data shows that in 2023/24 there were 18 OLRs imposed in Scotland and 249 active OLR cases. You can find more information about OLRs here.