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Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)

Section 47 Offences Against the Person Act 1861

Maximum Sentence

5 years’ imprisonment (ABH)

7 years’ imprisonment (Racially or Religiously Aggravated ABH)

Court Information

Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court

What is Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)?
ABH occurs when an assault causes bodily harm that is not trivial or insignificant. Physical evidence of injury, such as bruising or cuts, is not always required, as psychological harm can also amount to ABH.

Key Features of ABH:

  • Typically involves injuries more serious than minor bruising, scratches, or superficial cuts.

  • May involve aggravating factors, such as:

    • Repeated or sustained attacks.

    • Use of a weapon.

    • Vulnerable victims.

Court and Sentencing Information

  • Cases can be heard in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court.

  • Maximum penalty: 5 years’ imprisonment.

Racially or Religiously Aggravated ABH:

  • Charged under Section 29 Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

  • Can be heard in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court.

  • Maximum penalty: 7 years’ imprisonment.

Expert Legal Representation
At Football Law, we specialise in defending ABH charges, ensuring the best possible defence and minimising the impact of charges on your life.

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  • Found myself in a horrible position where I needed the services of a solicitor and was very fortunate to come across Football Law Associates. Melanie Cooke was my initial contact and put my mind at rest within a few minutes of talking to her. Melanie is extremely professional and understanding, whilst offering fantastic guidance.

    Patrick

  • Rob helped me a lot during my case back in April 2024. I had a case of assault against me due to an allegation made against me due to an act of self defence from myself. Rob was amazing and supportive with everything and made the process very comforting and it helped me a lot

    Gregg

  • I would definitely recommend Football Law Associates. Rob Perkins dealt with my case and was available to answer my calls or call be back. He also kept me updated and explained everything. Nothing was rushed. He represented me in a very professional manner and ensured I understand every possible outcome.

    Jonny

  • I needed support for a matter and stumbled across FLA. They have directed and advised me across a number of court appearances and complicated law matters and their service has been extremely professional and excellent.

    Dean

  • I had a really good experience with Rob and the team. The service provided is professional throughout and really helped me achieve the best possible outcome. I would strongly recommend the FLA and Rob to anyone who finds themselves in need of a solicitor for football related offences.

    Joe

  • Found myself in a horrible position where I needed the services of a solicitor and was very fortunate to come across Football Law Associates. Melanie Cooke was my initial contact and put my mind at rest within a few minutes of talking to her. Melanie is extremely professional and understanding, whilst offering fantastic guidance.

    Patrick

  • Rob helped me a lot during my case back in April 2024. I had a case of assault against me due to an allegation made against me due to an act of self defence from myself. Rob was amazing and supportive with everything and made the process very comforting and it helped me a lot

    Gregg

  • I would definitely recommend Football Law Associates. Rob Perkins dealt with my case and was available to answer my calls or call be back. He also kept me updated and explained everything. Nothing was rushed. He represented me in a very professional manner and ensured I understand every possible outcome.

    Jonny

  • I needed support for a matter and stumbled across FLA. They have directed and advised me across a number of court appearances and complicated law matters and their service has been extremely professional and excellent.

    Dean

  • I had a really good experience with Rob and the team. The service provided is professional throughout and really helped me achieve the best possible outcome. I would strongly recommend the FLA and Rob to anyone who finds themselves in need of a solicitor for football related offences.

    Joe

Reviews

Trusted by Our Clients

Reviews

Trusted by Our Clients

  • Found myself in a horrible position where I needed the services of a solicitor and was very fortunate to come across Football Law Associates. Melanie Cooke was my initial contact and put my mind at rest within a few minutes of talking to her. Melanie is extremely professional and understanding, whilst offering fantastic guidance.

    Patrick

  • Rob helped me a lot during my case back in April 2024. I had a case of assault against me due to an allegation made against me due to an act of self defence from myself. Rob was amazing and supportive with everything and made the process very comforting and it helped me a lot

    Gregg

  • I would definitely recommend Football Law Associates. Rob Perkins dealt with my case and was available to answer my calls or call be back. He also kept me updated and explained everything. Nothing was rushed. He represented me in a very professional manner and ensured I understand every possible outcome.

    Jonny

  • I needed support for a matter and stumbled across FLA. They have directed and advised me across a number of court appearances and complicated law matters and their service has been extremely professional and excellent.

    Dean

  • I had a really good experience with Rob and the team. The service provided is professional throughout and really helped me achieve the best possible outcome. I would strongly recommend the FLA and Rob to anyone who finds themselves in need of a solicitor for football related offences.

    Joe

Reviews

Trusted by Our Clients

  • Found myself in a horrible position where I needed the services of a solicitor and was very fortunate to come across Football Law Associates. Melanie Cooke was my initial contact and put my mind at rest within a few minutes of talking to her. Melanie is extremely professional and understanding, whilst offering fantastic guidance.

    Patrick

  • Rob helped me a lot during my case back in April 2024. I had a case of assault against me due to an allegation made against me due to an act of self defence from myself. Rob was amazing and supportive with everything and made the process very comforting and it helped me a lot

    Gregg

  • I would definitely recommend Football Law Associates. Rob Perkins dealt with my case and was available to answer my calls or call be back. He also kept me updated and explained everything. Nothing was rushed. He represented me in a very professional manner and ensured I understand every possible outcome.

    Jonny

  • I needed support for a matter and stumbled across FLA. They have directed and advised me across a number of court appearances and complicated law matters and their service has been extremely professional and excellent.

    Dean

  • I had a really good experience with Rob and the team. The service provided is professional throughout and really helped me achieve the best possible outcome. I would strongly recommend the FLA and Rob to anyone who finds themselves in need of a solicitor for football related offences.

    Joe