The offence
Section 47 covers assault occasioning actual bodily harm. ‘Actual bodily harm’ means any hurt or injury that interferes with the victim’s comfort or health, and need not be serious. The offence is triable either-way and carries up to five years’ imprisonment on indictment.
Defences
- Self-defence and reasonable force
- The injury does not amount to actual bodily harm
- Disputed causation or identification
- Consent, in limited contact-sport contexts
Sentencing
ABH carries up to five years on indictment. The guidelines assess the severity of the injury and aggravating factors such as the use of a weapon or vulnerability of the victim.
Frequently asked questions
Any hurt or injury that interferes with the victim’s comfort or health — including bruising, cuts and grazes. It need not be permanent or serious.
Up to five years’ imprisonment on indictment; the offence is triable either-way.
Yes. Reasonable force used to defend yourself or another is a complete defence to an ABH charge.