GBH involving loss of an eye.

[fractalpie]

Hello,
Two newly married turkish friends stopped over in London as part of their honeymoon. They visited a pub and whilst they were there a fight broke out. My acquaintances had absloutely nothing to do with the fight whatsoever. One of the brawlers threw a glass which struck the newly married girl in the face and as a result she lost an eye. Eventually the police caught the man who threw the glass and I'm wondering what the likely sentence will be.
Thank you.
fractalpie

[wolf63]

Can't help you I am afraid - but what a horrendous thing to happen.

The punishments never seem to fit the crimes these days.

[Buenchico]

It depends upon whether the conviction is under 'Section 20' (="GBH") or 'Section 18' ("GBH with intent").

The use of a 'weapon' (such as a glass) is often sufficient to get 'with intent' added to a GBH charge. However it's likely that the offender's defence counsel will try to argue that there was actually no specific intent to cause grievous bodily harm to anyone.

If you want to read more about the legal definitions of 'GBH' and 'GBH with intent', read paragraphs 50 to 67 of this document from the Crown Prosecution Service:
http://www.cps.gov.uk...s_against_the_person/

Unless there are very exceptional circumstances (which a judge must explain in open court) judges are obliged to sentence offenders in accordance with the guidance contained in this document:
http://www.sentencing...inst-the%20person.pdf
The relevant tables are on pages 13 and 15 but it needs to be noted that those sentences refer to a first-time offender convicted after a trial. An early guilty plea can see the sentence cut by up to one third. Previous convictions (particularly for violence) can see the sentencing range moved upwards.

If the victim has not already done so, she should make a claim for compensation to CICA:
http://www.cica.gov.uk/

Chris

[fractalpie]

Hello,
Thank you very much Chris. I meant to ask about compensation. Will the fact that she's a turkish national have any relevance?
Regards
fractalpie

[Buenchico]

Thanks for the reply.

The eligibility criteria (for compensation) are given here:
http://www.cica.gov.u...-apply/Am-I-eligible/
I can see nothing about nationality or country of residence. Indeed, it would be illogical (and possibly in conflict with the UK's international obligations) if there were any such restrictions.

Chris

[sumo19]

That's definately GBH, proabably with intent.

Sentence (INSIDE OF PRISON) 4 years.

[Revel]

Depending on his criminal past I would imagine GBH, or GBH with intent.Poor girl and what a lovely picture of England she has taken away with her.

[Dee Sa]

I think this poor lady should apply for criminal damage compensation, friend of mine's son got £500 after he was a bystander in a pub when a fight broke out and a glass almost cut off his ear.Also if she has travel insurance she should be able to claim on that too.
The culprit will probably get off with a fine because the jails are too full, but I hope he gets his just deserts !

[fractalpie]

Hi! Thank you for your contributions. I'll pass the information to her husband. She's in no state to deal with it. Fractalpie.