Assaults

Question 1

Common Assault

Answer 1

Common Assault - Section 39 Criminal Justice Act 1998

A common assault is an assault or battery in which either no or very minor injuries are caused.

Question 2

Battery

Answer 2

Battery - Section 39 Criminal Justice Act 1988

A battery is: ‘Any intention or unlawful force or personal violence’. A battery may include an assault. Force can be applied directly or indirectly.

Question 3

Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)

Answer 3

ABH - Section 47 Offences Against the Persons Act 1861

It must be shown that an assault occasioning ABH was a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the defendants’ actions. Examples of ABH injuries:

• Slight Swelling
• Bruising
• Reddening
• Tenderness/Soreness
• Open Wound with Bleeding
• Broken Nose
• Psychiatric Injury (going beyond fear, distress or panic)

Question 4

Grievous Bodily Harm (Wounding or Inflicting GBH)

Answer 4

Wounding or Inflicting GBH - Section 20 Offences Against the Persons Act 1861

Whosever shall unlawfully and maliciously wound or inflict any GBH upon any other person, either with or without a weapon or instrument, shall be guilty of an offence.

Question 5

Grievous Bodily Harm With Intent (Wounding or Inflicting GBH)

Answer 5

GBH with Intent - Section 18 Offences Against the Persons Act 1861

Whosever shall unlawfully and maliciously, by any means whatsoever, wound or cause any GBH to any person with the intent to do so.