What are the different types of assault in the UK?

Answer 1

The Offences Against The Person Act 1861
1) Section 39 Assault - Common Assault
Any act (intentional or reckless) which causes someone to fear immediate, unlawful personal violence. No actual contact required

2) Section 47 Assault - Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)

Harm that interferes with health or comfort but not to a great degree, e.g.
Breaking of tooth/teeth
Loss of consciousness
Bruising
Broken nose
Minor fractures & cuts (that could require stitches)
Psychiatric illnesses greater than fear/distress/panic

3) Section 20 Assault - Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) - Wounding (without intent)

With or without a weapon. Wounding and GBH are different -
Wounding - Break in the continuity of the whole outer skin. Inner skin within the cheek or lips is included. Can include cuts or lacerations

GBH - Really serious harm e.g.
Injury resulting in permanent disability
Loss of sensory function
Disfigurement
Broken/displaced limbs/bones
Substantial loss of blood
Injuries that require lengthy treatment or incapacity
Psychiatric injury

4) Section 18 Assault - Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) - Wounding (with intent)

Same as Section 20 but intent to cause GBH is present.