Aggregate length of sentence is a measure of the sentences imposed on an offender, taking multiple offences into account. It is not measured for prisoners who receive an indeterminate type of sentence such as life, and periodic detainees' sentences are measured separately. At 30 June 1999 the average aggregate sentence of all prisoners was 4.6 years. Male prisoners were serving an average aggregate sentence of 4.7 years, compared to an average of 3.1 years for female prisoners. The aggregrate sentence is the longest period that the offender may be detained under sentence in the current episode.
Charges pending which are likely to extend the current episode are ignored.