Paul
Before making the distinction between GBH and ABH you should also consider the definition of the lesser crime of "Assault". Assault is where the victim suffers personal violence or "the perception of violence against them" Eg loud aggresive language could be deemed as an assault if the recipient believes the situation puts themself as risk of suffering a physical assault. The next crime of assault occasioning actual bodily harm is where the victim suffers an actual bodily injury which causes hurt or discomfort. The injury need not be visible or permanent Eg. bruising
The final crime of GBH can be distinguished from ABH by the following; it must be unlawful (Eg ABH may result from activities between consenting parties), and the victim must have been maliciously wounded (where wound constitutes a breaking of the continuity of the skin). The harm may be caused with or without any weapon and again need not be permanent.
Jay