Convicted of ABH @ 16

[number-13]

when i was 16 (im 23 now) i was convicted of ABH and handed an absolute discharge as sentance

what i want to know is this conviction spent?

and will i "pass" a CRB check? as a job i want requires i under go it

[Buenchico]

The conviction became spent six months after you received it:
http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/rehabact.htm
So you you can lawfully answer 'No' to any questions about whether you've ever been convicted of an offence (unless you're applying for a job, such as working in a school, which is exempted from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).

However, at present, all CRB checks (at both 'standard' and 'enhanced' levels) show all convictions,including those which are spent.

The CRB is currently developing a new 'basic' level check which will (if my understanding of it is correct) only show those convictions which are not spent. In future it's likely that most employers will only have access to 'basic' level checks but, at present, any CRB check will show your conviction.

Only a few jobs are automatically barred to people with criminal records. In the vast majority of cases it's up to the employer's discretion as to whether they'll offer the job to someone with a criminal record. Your conviction would be unlikely to prevent you from getting a job involving, say, cash handling but it might prevent you from getting a job in the 'caring professions' (e.g. teaching or nursing).

Chris