GBH with Intent

[RonBurgundy]

Hi
A friend of mine has had some previous abuse off some lads, and one night whilst out he saw the two lads, they made a comment, he walked off, then went back and punched one of them, then ended in a scuffle with the other. The first punch broke the lads jaw, he has been charged with GBH with intent. Any idea what he is looking at or any help of how to avoid jail would be appreciated. Its his first offense. thanks

[loonytunes]

....but, I suggest, not his last.

[RonBurgundy]

Very helpful............NOT.

[spaced]

he didnt act in self defense, so the law will not favour him. THis is a question for our friend Buenchico....

The only advise I can give you is, tell him to walk away in future and rise above stupid people.

[Mamjet]

Here's another hint for him - if he doesn't want to get charged with GBH in the future, tell him not go around committing GBH. warwick hunt

[DONNAKEBABUK]

Get them to try and drop the intent (might get a plea bargain on that one). That he didnt mean to cause such injury, he was upset, distressed and worked up at how this person had abused him.
If there was no way he can prove that he acted in self defence then I suggest he pleads Guilty at the FIRST OPPORTUNITY to reduce 'any' sentence, Community or Custodial that he might get.
Get a GOOD Solicitor or Barrister who can mitigate his circumstances with DRAMA
Ask for committal to Crown Court (Judges appear to be more lenient than Magistrates, because they see a lot of horrible things and a first time offender may get him a lighter sentence in the Crown Court.
If your friend drinks, get him to go for alcohol counselling (even if he doesnt need it) to show he is doing something
Get a list of Anger Mangement Programmes off the internet and get him to tell the Court and Probation Service that he is doing something with his anger (i.e. not forced)
When he goes for his pre sentence report, show ABSOLUTE, PITIFUL REMORSE, write it all down on pages and pages and pages of how Sorry he is, that he didnt know what came over him.
Get on with the probation officer.
Make sure he has a full time job AND DISPOSABLE income, a mortgage to pay, responsibilities etc.
Say he was privately educated with a plethora of qualifications.
This was OUT OF CHARACTER.

On this note, the Judge prior to asking for a PSR will tell him (but they tell everyone this) that he may be likely for a custodial sentence.

If he does ALL OF THE ABOVE, and IT REALLY IS a first offence, he may also be able to provide character references in person or in writing at the Court - then he MAY BY THE SKIN OF HIS TEETH get 240 hours Community Service, The Think First Programme, and a Grands worth of fines AND Compensation to pay.

[DONNAKEBABUK]

I know some one else who has been in prison (different kind of offence though - Armed Robbery) who said that ANYTHING is BETTER than going to prison.

I know a friend of a friend who was charged with GBH with intent (the injuries were far worse though) and she got 18 months - that was a first offence too.

Tell your friend to DO EVERYTHING WITHIN HIS POWERS.

I do however hope that he is truly sorry for what he did. Lets face it, I would want the WORST PUNISHMENT POSSIBLE if someone broke my jaw and put me in that much pain, no matter how much I had tormented them. It isnt right for someone to be attacked in such a way even though it is what we are beginning to expect in todays society.

Hope this helps you Ron.

Katie. x

[Mamjet]

i'd jail the violent little sod.

[steveuk165]

Can you tell me more what injuries the other person suffered.
Was their any hospitalization involved, broken bones, loss of blood, internal injuries, did the injuries threaten that persons life, or are there any lasting affects. Put simply is the other person claiming and what is the response form the CPS.
He may have been charged but is the CPS proceeding with the case? More info the better.... Steve