The offences
Section 18 covers wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and carries up to life imprisonment. Section 20 covers wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm, where intent to cause serious harm is not required, and carries up to five years on indictment. Both are triable either-way.
Defences
- Self-defence and the use of reasonable force
- No intent for the section 18 offence, which may reduce the charge to section 20
- Disputed causation or the medical evidence of injury
- Mistaken identity or disputed presence
Sentencing
Section 18 is treated as a very serious offence, carrying up to life imprisonment. Section 20 carries up to five years on indictment. The guidelines assess the seriousness of the injury and the use of weapons.
Frequently asked questions
Section 18 requires an intent to cause grievous bodily harm and carries up to life; section 20 does not require that intent and carries up to five years on indictment.
Yes. Both sections 18 and 20 are imprisonable; section 18 carries up to life imprisonment.
Yes. Where force was used to defend yourself or another and was reasonable in the circumstances, it is a complete defence.