Assault & serious violence

Assault and serious violence charges range from common assault at the lower end to grievous bodily harm and Section 18 wounding at the most serious level. The consequences of a conviction — custody, a criminal record, damage to employment and reputation — make early and expert representation essential.

Charges covered

I accept instructions in all categories of assault and violence, including:

  • Common assault (Section 39 Criminal Justice Act 1988)
  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH — Section 47 OAPA 1861)
  • Unlawful wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH — Section 20 OAPA 1861)
  • Wounding or causing GBH with intent (Section 18 OAPA 1861)
  • Affray and violent disorder
  • Assault on an emergency worker
  • Gang-related violence and joint enterprise

Pre-charge intervention

Where a police investigation is underway but no charge has yet been made, early engagement with the investigating officer or the Crown Prosecution Service can in some cases prevent charges being brought at all. This is particularly relevant in assault cases where self-defence, the reliability of witness evidence, or CCTV footage may support a decision not to charge.

Defences

Each case turns on its facts. Common defences in assault cases include self-defence or defence of another, consent, mistaken identity, and the absence of the necessary intent. I will assess the evidence carefully and advise you on the realistic prospects of each available line of defence.

Frequently asked questions

ABH covers injuries that are more than trivial but do not amount to really serious harm. GBH covers really serious bodily harm. Section 20 GBH does not require proof of intent to cause serious harm; Section 18 does, and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Yes. Self-defence is a complete defence to assault if you used reasonable force in defence of yourself or another. The question of what is reasonable is assessed subjectively — the jury considers what you genuinely believed at the time.
Section 20 GBH carries a maximum of five years. Section 18 carries a maximum of life. Whether a custodial sentence is imposed depends on the seriousness of the injury, the circumstances of the offence, and your personal history.