Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) is a criminal offence, which can come with a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment. In this article, our solicitors outline everything you need to know.
If you’re a victim of ABH, you must contact the police immediately on 999. However, if the police charged you with ABH, please call our criminal defence solicitors on 0203 007 5500.
ABH meaning.
Actual bodily harm (ABH) is a form of assault or battery that causes harm to someone’s body. For the harm to be considered ABH, it doesn’t need to be serious but must be more significant than a push or a shove.
Examples of ABH injuries include:
- Bruising
- Scratches
- Bite marks
- Swelling
- Minor fractures
- Tooth loss or chipping
It’s important to note that there doesn’t need to be intent to cause an injury for an act to be ABH. The offender only needs to intend to apply unlawful force. For example, if the offender pushes someone and that person falls over, hits their head, and temporarily loses consciousness.
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What is the difference between ABH and GBH?
Both actual bodily harm (ABH) and grievous bodily harm (GBH) are criminal offences. But, what is the difference and which is worse?
ABH
As highlighted above, ABH is a less serious injury that doesn’t cause permanent damage to the victim. Some common examples include:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Extensive or multiple bruising
- Minor bone fractures
- Slashes and cuts that are less severe than wounding
Example:
Mike is standing in a queue at the supermarket checkout. While Mike is standing, someone queue jumps in front of him. After a heated argument, Mike punches the queue jumper in the face and cracks a few of his teeth.
GBH
On the other hand, GBH is a serious injury that can have a permanent impact on the victim, such as:
- Broken bones
- Serious disfigurement
- Serious burns
Example:
Sarah goes out to a nightclub and throws corrosive acid over another person, causing the victim permanent facial disfigurement and blindness.
What is the sentence for ABH?
ABH is a criminal offence, which is not taken lightly. The maximum sentence you can receive is a five-year prison sentence. However, if it’s your first offence for ABH, you’re more likely to receive a fine or community service work.
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My 9 years old son is a victim of ABH. The defendant got only 18 month conditional good behaviour , because he had no criminal record. Also, 2 years AVO between us, I have provided the details for sexual assault between him and wife, but nothing is changed. Is that possible to do anything? Also, court decision I cannot appeal, as I am witness and my son is victim.
Hi Nur,
I am sorry to hear about the issues that you and your family have been facing. If you still need help with your case, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
What's the difference between assault causes bodily injury and assault causes bodily injury family violence
Hi Darilene,
These are the sentences for cases in the US, but the UK sentencing guidelines are slightly different. The court would deploy a more severe sentence if the ABH was caused by a family member in most cases.
What compensation if any would the victim of ABH recieve?
Hello Tony, you would indeed be able to claim compensation, providing the incident occurred less than two years ago. https://www.gov.uk/claim-compensation-criminal-injury
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