Actual bodily harm or ABH as it is more commonly referred to, is a slightly less serious offence than GBH. It is however, also a form of violent crime, an ABH assault which causes actual physical harm to the victim. In a nutshell therefore, an assault causing actual bodily harm is quite a serious charge even though it is slightly less so than GBH. For an ABH charge, the kind of injury the victim sustains is usually a substantial injury warranting medical attention. Loss of consciousness on account of an assault however temporary would be regarded as ABH by the law, as would bone fractures and other non-superficial cuts.
Other forms of injuries ranging from a black eye to bruises, swelling and other minor injuries as a result of a bar brawl or scuffle for instance, will be regarded as common assault not warranting an ABH charge. If you are uncertain of the offence with which you have been or likely to be charged, you will be best advised to get in touch with us at the earliest for professional guidance. Also if you disagree with what you have been arrested for and believe that it should be the lesser offence of common assault as against ABH, give us a call today and let our dedicated criminal defence lawyers sort matters out in the most efficient manner. It is important, in case of any doubt, for some clarity to be provided here as to what constitutes an aggravated assault of ABH. If after reading this page, you remain doubtful as to the accuracy of the allegations you face, please call to speak to one of our highly experienced solicitors.
