hi stuckinlimbo, i am in a very similar situation, i was out one night with friends and got talking to an ex who i had previously fallen out with 6 months prior, she invited myself and friends back to her house later that night to her birthday party, i went up about an hour later with 2 friends with 2 bottles of cider in a plastic bag to take to the party, a big guy was stood at the door and let my 2 friends in, he then told me to f off and wernt welcome, there was also another guy stood watching, i am only a small built guy and he was huge compared to myself, i thought he was joking and said this to him, he then started to push me backwards down the path and threatening me with violence, i was provoked and felt very intimidated and genuinely feared for my safety as he was very violent and a lot bigger than me so i swung the bag with the bottles in at him and it hit his head, he proceeded to go for me aain soi hit him again and ran, the other guy caught me but i ran away, after realising what i had done and regretting it almost immediately i went up to the police station to give myself up, i gave them the honest truth and did not ask for a duty solicitor, the guy needed 6 stitches in his head, i have never been in trouble with the police before and am usually a quiet lad, the other lad is saying it was totally unprovoked which is a complete lie, i also have studied at uni and got a degree in art and design and am of good nature, i have been charged with gbh with intent sec 18 and have been told i ill et a custodial sentence by my solicitor, i am appearing at magistrates court on the 6th but my sol said it will just be referred to crown as it is too serious to be dealt with there, i cant believe this has happened to me, all i wanted was a good night out with my mates, itseems it was some kind of set up as i had previously had a big fall out with her, this lads girl friend is a very good friend of hers.just hope when it goes to crown they can see who the real thug and