Is there such a thing as a spent conviction? Would an offence resulting in a conditional discharge 30 years ago be regarded as a spent conviction?
A conditional or absolute discharge is deemed to be a conviction only in connection with the court proceedings where the order is made, or any subsequent proceedings for default. Once the discharge period had ended the recipient of a conditional discharge would not have to declare any previous convictions. Other convictions can become “spent” after a period of time under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: for example where a fine was imposed, the period is five years. Various occupations such as solicitors, doctors and social workers are excluded from these provisions however.