ABH- Conviction - Punishment

[mark_mahon]

Hi. A friend of mine was found guilty of ABH in Crown Court and is due to be sentenced in February. I was just wondering what kind of sentence they could expect. They have met their probation officer, who said that they would suggest a suspended sentence to the presiding judge. What does this mean, and what other factors would influence what happens to them? Thanks. Mark.

[eyethenkyew]

Have a look at this link:

http://www.cps.gov.uk..._bodily_harm/#content

[mike11111]

There is a common misconception that a suspended sentence is one step down from immediate custody. It is not. A suspended sentence ranks equally with a custodial one. What the judge is saying in effect is, "You deserve to go to prison for this, but due wholly to exceptional circumstances surrounding this particular case, or yourself, I am minded not to commit you immediately. If you are a good boy for the next twelve months (or whatever time), and comply fully with the directions of the court, I may well mitigate the sentence in due course of time".

Suspended sentences are actually much less frequent than the media would have us believe.

[mark_mahon]

What kind of circumstances are important? It was not pre-meditated and no weapons were used. He admitted hitting out, but his case was self-defence, although this was obviously rejected.

Looking at the link, it seems that all of the examples lead to prison sentences. Thanks for your advice on this guys. Really appreciate it. I know how worried he is. I am just trying to look for positives.

[mark_mahon]

ABH Sentence?

[js5533]

ABH is Actual Bodily Harm and carries a lesser sentence than GBH Grevious Bodily Harm. The suspended sentence means no prison but stay out of trouble for the duration of it. However as always its the Judge on the day that counts

[boxtops]

More details just posted here by mark_mahon http://www.theanswerb...l/Question979131.html