Assaults

Question 1

Loss or breaking of teeth
 Temporary loss of sensory function
 Extensive or multiple bruising
 Displaced broken nose
 Minor fractures and cuts requiring stitches
 Psychiatric injury going beyond fear, distress or panic – this includes
shock and mental ‘injury’

Constitutes what type of offence? What would your power of arrest be for this offence?

Answer 1

ABH - Actual Bodily Harm
Power of arrest - Section 47 on suspicion of ABH

NOTE: Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) is defined as… Any hurt which interferes with
health or comfort, but not to a considerable degree. Bodily harm can include
psychiatric illness. There must be a direct connection between the assault and
the injury caused.

Question 2

What offence would these actions amount to and what is your power of arrest?

 Slap across the face
 Pulling hair
 Snowball fight
 Touching
 Shouting abuse and pointing finger at a person

Answer 2

Common Assault

Power of Arrest: Section 39 on suspicion of Common Assault

NOTE: They would lead to nothing more than:
 Grazes
 Scratches
 Abrasions
 Minor bruising
 Swellings
 Reddening of the skin
 Superficial cuts
 A black eye

Question 3

 Injury resulting in some permanent disability or visible disfigurement
 Broken or displaced limbs or bones
 Injuries requiring blood transfusion or lengthy treatment
 A WOUND is any break in the continuity of the whole skin which
causes bleeding

What offence are these examples of and what would be your power of arrest?

Answer 3

GBH - Grevious Bodily Harm

Power of arrest: Section 20 - Offences against the person act

Whosoever shall unlawfully and maliciously wound or inflict any grievous
bodily harm upon any person either with or without instrument, shall be guilty
of an offence.