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Wounding and Causing Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)

Section 20 / Section 18 Offences Against the Person Act 1861

Maximum Sentence

5 years’ imprisonment (Section 20)

7 years’ imprisonment (Racially or Religiously Aggravated Offence under Section 29)

Life imprisonment (Section 18)

Court Information

Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court (Section 20 and Racially or Religiously Aggravated Offences)

Crown Court only (Section 18)

What is Wounding and Causing Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)?

  • Wounding: Involves causing a break in the skin, often with a knife or another weapon.

  • Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH): Defined as ‘really serious harm’ to another person.

Charges and Key Features:

  • Section 20:

    • Applies if the person foresaw some harm or acted recklessly regarding the harm caused.

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

    • Maximum penalty: 5 years’ imprisonment.

  • Section 18:

    • Applies when the person intended to wound or cause GBH.

    • Can only be heard in the Crown Court.

    • Maximum penalty: Life imprisonment.

  • Racially or Religiously Aggravated Offence:

    • 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
Football Law provides specialist defence for wounding and GBH cases, ensuring the best possible legal support, whether under Section 20 or Section 18.

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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