(1)  A partly suspended sentence of imprisonment is taken for all purposes to be a sentence of imprisonment for the whole term stated by the court.

(2)  A wholly suspended sentence of imprisonment is taken to be a sentence of imprisonment for the purposes of all enactments other than enactments providing for disqualification for, or loss of, office or the forfeiture, or suspension, of pensions or other benefits.

(3)  If, under section 27 , an offender is ordered to serve the whole or part of a wholly suspended sentence of imprisonment then, for the purposes of any enactment providing for disqualification for, or loss of, office or the forfeiture, or suspension, of pensions or other benefits, the offender is taken to have been sentenced to imprisonment on the day on which the order was made under that section.

(4)  An offender in respect of whom a suspended sentence has been imposed is not required to serve the sentence or part sentence held in suspense unless the offender is ordered to do so under section 27 .