Gbh With intent

[metallica69]

Hi,please can someone advice me how long will my sentence be.The circumstances is that four years ago my partner and myself had a argument i left my apartment she fell down the stairs broke her leg.She did not wanted to press charges.However the CPS wants to,as they claimed i pushed her down the stairs.Her leg is still not okay it is still in a brace.How long will i get.This is my first offence.At the time this happened i was 24.Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[zzxxee]

depends if it goes to crown court if it goes to crown and your found guilty it will be a longer sentance. do you have a solicitor?

[Buenchico]

The case automatically goes to the Crown court, because it's 'indictable only'.

'GBH with intent' is a very serious charge, as it's only one step below 'attempted murder'. Indeed, since it carries the same maximum penalty of life imprisonment, it's effectively the same charge.

Judges are given guideline 'starting points' when sentencing various offences. They're also told the range which their actual sentence should normally fall into. A 'basic' GBH+I offence carries a starting point of 4 years imprisonment, with the sentencing range being 3 to 5 years. However, if your partner's injuries are regarded as 'very serious' (which they may well be), the starting point goes up to 5 years custody, with a range of 4 to 6 years.

However, those guideline sentences apply to first-time offenders convicted after a trial. An early guilty plea would result in a reduction of the sentence.

It's hard to be accurate without knowing all of the circumstances. My best guess is that the court would opt for the lower end of the 4 to 6 year range (i.e. 4 years) and then reduce that down to 3 years for an early not guilty plea. That would normally mean that you'd spend 18 months 'actually inside'.

Reference:
(This is the document which the judge will have before him when deciding upon the appropriate sentence):
http://www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk/docs/a ssault-against-the%20person.pdf

Chris

[china38]

You seem to say that you are both guilty and innocent. First you say you left the flat and THEN she broke her leg but then you say that this is your first offence.

[DLawson]

Have a look at www.thelawpages.com and see what others have received for the same offence. Find a good solicitor, he or she can present mitigation - such as the fact your partner is still with you and has withdrawn her complaint - to request a non-custodial sentence.