Grievous Bodily Harm

Question 1

S.18 Description?

Answer 1

Where the D intended to inflict GBH injuries on the V, or intended to resist arrest but which caused the V GBH injuries in the process.

Question 2

S.20 Description?

Answer 2

Where the D did not intend to inflict GBH, but intended or was reckless as to inflict SOME harm onto the V

Question 3

S.20 Definition?

Answer 3

Offences Against the Persons Act 1861- “Inflicting a wound, or grievous bodily harm injuries, with the intention or recklessness to inflict some harm”

Question 4

S.18 Definition?

Answer 4

Offences Against the Persons Act 1861- “inflicting a wound, or grievous bodily harm injuries, with the intention to inflict GBH, or resist arrest”

Question 5

Actus Reus of GBH?

Answer 5

The D must inflict a wound OR GBH injuries. A wound is a break in both layers of the skin (Dermis and Epidermis)- (Eisenhower), and a GBH injury is “Nothing more or nothing less than really serious harm”- (DPP V Smith)

Question 6

Actus Reus of GBH Side Rules?

Answer 6

1. Accumulation of injuries can amount to GBH when taken together (Brown/ Stratton)
   2.Vulnerable victim, the injuries are seen as more serious (Bollom)
   When applying also apply causation issue.

Question 7

Mens Rea for GBH?

Answer 7

S.20- Intention (Mohan), or recklessness (Cunningham) to inflict SOME harm (Mowatt)

S18.- Intention (Mohan) to inflict GBH injuries, or intention to resist arrest (Morrison/Mowatt)