Serious Assaults Flashcards
What is the difference between a section 188(1) and 188(2) wounding
The offenders intent
188(1) intent to GBH
188(2) intent to injure
Outcome is the same
Definition of “anyone”
Person. Gender neutral, accepted by judicial notice and proved circumstantially
Definition of “intent”
Two specific type of intent
- intent to commit an offence
- intent to produce a specific result
How to prove an offender intent
Admissions and circumstantial evidence
- actions and words before, during and after the event
- surrounding circumstances
- nature of the act itself
In serious assault cases circumstantial evidence that may assist in proving an offenders intent include…….
- prior threats
- evidence of premeditation
- use of a weapon
- whether any weapon used was opportunistic or purposely brought
- number of blows
- degree of force used
- body parts targeted by offender (eg. head)
- degree of resistance or helplessness of the victim (eg. unconscious)
Definition of “GBH”
Harm that is really serious
Does bodily harm (GBH) include psychiatric injury
Yes…….but does not include mere emotions such as fear, distress, panic or a hysterical or nervous condition
Do the consequences of GBH have to be immediate/instant
No, they may be delayed
Definition of “Wounds”
The breaking of the skin and the flowing of blood, either externally or internally
What is the difference between GBH and wounds/maims/disfigures
GBH - refers to the degree or seriousness of the injury
Wounds/maims/disfigures - refer to the type of injury caused
Definition of “maims”
Mutilating, crippling or disabling a part of the body so as to deprive the use of a limb or one of the senses
Needs to be some degree of permanence
Definition of “disfigures”
Deform or deface, to mar or alter the figure or appearance of a person
Need not be permanent
What is the doctrine of transferred malace
Where the defendant mistakes the identity of the person injured or where harm intended for one person is accidentally inflicted on another he is still criminally responsible
Definition of “injure”
To cause actual bodily harm
Can actual bodily harm include psychiatric injury
Yes…..if medical evidence confirms an identifiable clinical condition
Definition of “reckless”
Conscious and deliberate taking of an unjustified risk