i have been arrested and bailed for gbh/wounding without intent - section 20....looking for some advice.

[holbrook99]

i was arrested today and bailed for gbh/wounding without intent - section 20.....

i head butted an oposing player during a football match, and he was knocked unconcious, he fell and fractured his shoulder....i reacted because the player in question punched one of my players in the face for no reason.

I have no previous convictions, a good job, and 2 children, a partner and a mortgage.

I am EXTREMELY worried about the possibility of going to prison, as i couldnt handle being away from my children for any length of time....

Based on what i have written above, any advice would be very gratefully recieved.

Thanks
Paul

[beejay1124]

were you red carded ?

[4getmenot]

couldnt your player fight his own battles?

I will doubt you will go to prison. You should have just walked away thought and been the better man.

[zzxxee]

you silly sod
having said that we all do extreame things in the heat of the moment without intent is important i shouldnt think it will be custodial probably community service and a fine but if you are going to crown court which i feel in your case is highly unlikely then sentance could be harsher

[holbrook99]

i wasnt red carded, however the referees report said i was, so i recieved a 112 day ban from football and a £75 fine from the GFA. the other player got nothing because the referee didnt see the first punch, however lots of witnesses did.

[holbrook99]

also dont know if its relevant but its CID dealing with the case and he said something about it going to cps?

[bednobs]

my advice is to get a solicitor quickly

[holbrook99]

the worry i have in regards to a solicitor is i have no money whatsoever, am barely breaking even paying mortgage etc???? im assuming solicitors cost lots of money, i dont think i would qualify for legal aid

[zzxxee]

go to your local citizens advice centre all advice is free

[Iggle Piggle]

get into your local citizens advice branch first thing in the morning.
Do you know what you were actually charged with?

[holbrook99]

i know the advice is free, but representation must be expensive????...i am so stressed about the worry of prison and being away from my kiddies...ive never ever regretted anything more in my life

[holbrook99]

the charge is section 20 - gbh/wounding without intent.

[zzxxee]

dont fret to much its if it was wounding with intent you would have more to worry about who pressed the charges????

[zzxxee]

usually the cps will look at the case and if they feel it wont carry much weight in court they may even drop the charges but go to a citizens advice centre asap

[holbrook99]

the boy that i headbutted reported it to the police, the police went to my old house, and the new tenant advised me, so i went to the police station where i was arrested, i was interviewed and i told the complete truth, so admitted head butting him, blamed red-mist due to seeing him hit my freind in the face for absolutley no reason, it was totally out of character on my behalf.

Basically the guy in question was drinking cider on the sideline prior to the match, his face was already showing the effects of recent "fights" he had been in, and he threw the first punch, i reacted, he came off worse and then went to the police.

[zzxxee]

i suggest the kid he whacked presses charges against him !!!

[northernmonkey]

CAB - Can tell you wether you qualify for legal aid....however, I will have a look online and see what I can find out in regards to Legal Aid.

On the bright side, as you have been released on Bail whilst the police find out; if they was to charge you.....would it stand up in Court (The CPS make a descion based on all information about the incident)

Here's a link to the CPS website - http://www.cps.gov.uk/local/index.html

[northernmonkey]

**missed last few words** On the bright side, as you have been released on Bail whilst the police find out; if they was to charge you.....would it stand up in Court (The CPS make a descion based on all information about the incident) you might not get charged

[Charltonnil]

Why did you not accept the offer of free legal advise when you were booked into Custody upon your arrest ??
All detained persons have the right to free legal advice.