Violence and injury
Wounding / GBH with intent (s.18)
Offences Against the Person Act 1861, s.18
England & Wales. Elements, mode of trial, maximum and defences — not a charging or outcome predictor.
- Triable
- Indictable only
- Maximum penalty
- Life imprisonment
Actus reus
- Wound or cause grievous bodily harm (as for s.20).
Mens rea
- Specific intent: intention to cause GBH, or intention to resist/prevent lawful arrest and GBH results.
- Recklessness is not enough for the main limb — the prosecution must prove purpose to cause really serious harm.
Verified case law
R v Savage; DPP v Parmenter[1992] 1 AC 699
For s.47 OAPA, mens rea is that for common assault only; for s.20, subjective foresight of some physical harm is required.
Defences
Deny intent for GBH (only s.20 if recklessness as to some harm) · Self-defence · Deny identification · Voluntary intoxication may negate specific intent if supported by facts
Sentencing Council
Sentencing Council s.18 guideline effective 1 July 2021. Offence range: 2–16 years' custody; starting points commonly 3–12 years depending on harm/culpability category.
At the police station
Indictable-only — client will appear in Crown Court if charged. Focus instructions on whether any weapon use was aimed at causing really serious injury or merely to scare/escape.
When to involve a rep or solicitor
Police station advice is free under legal aid and is not means-tested.
Authoritative sources for this page
Statute plus Sentencing Council (and CPS where listed) are the two primary sources we used for mode of trial, maximum and elements. Case links are from our verified registry only.