Offences Against The Person

What does it mean and what should I do?

The sentences are largely custodial due to the severity of the offence, which is why it is important to have professional and experienced legal representation. 

A common defence used in these cases is the act of self-defence.

If you are facing questioning or charges relating to a criminal allegation of this nature, we recommend you seek legal advice. It can be daunting, emotional, and have a serious detrimental impact on you and your family.

Types of offence:

• Common Assault

• Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)

• Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)

• Manslaughter

• Murder

Common Assault

If someone intentionally or recklessly causing harm or violence to someone else, they have committed common assault. In certain cases, the threat of physical violence may be enough to warrant a charge for common assault.

The maximum sentence is six months imprisonment.

Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)

ABH refers to the act of physical violence towards another person, though the level of harm inflicted is considered insufficient to be charged as grievous bodily harm. 

In some case, a prison sentence of up to five years is the result.

Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)

GBH is a serious violent offence in which considerable harm is intentionally caused to another person. A charge of GBH will have a significant effect on your life, your family, and your career. The prosecution will mainly be concerned with the level and nature of the harm, and the intention behind the harm.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is the killing of another person, though differs from murder in that the death was not premeditated. Despite this, it’s still a very serious crime that carries a prison sentence.

Voluntary manslaughter means there was an intention to seriously harm or kill, but the defendant was affected by loss of self-control.

Involuntary manslaughter means the defendant was responsible for the death without the element of intention, such as recklessness or gross negligence.

Murder

Murder is the unlawful killing of another person with premeditation or intention. In English law, murder carries a mandatory life sentence, and the defendant will face trial by jury.

The gravity of each murder case depends heavily on the circumstances. The main component of a murder is the element of intention.