ABH / GBH

[anjlegs]

What is the difference between these two offences, which charge is the most severe .

[ummmm]

Actual bodily harm.

Grievous bodily harm.

[anjlegs]

I know what they are i want to know which offence is considered the most severe and carry,s the harsher sentence.

[bednobs]

GBH is a step down from attempted murder, and is the more serious of the two. The difference depends on the injuries of the injured party

[Buenchico]

While GBH is the more serious offence, and usually receives a greater punishment, the maximum custodial penalty for both offences is actually the same. (5 year's imprisonment, or 7 years if the offences was racially aggravated). The only exception is when "with intent" is added to a GBH charge. The maximum penalty is then life imprisonment.

For ABH sentencing see page 17 of this document:
http://www.sentencing...person_accessible.pdf
For GBH see page 15. For GBH with intent see page 13.

Chris