Assault comes under two sections of law, the difference being the level of intent in the assault.

Unlawful wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 20 of the Act

This offence is committed when a person unlawfully and maliciously, either:

• wounds another person; or
• inflicts grievous bodily harm upon another person.

It is an either way offence, which carries a maximum penalty on indictment of five years’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Summarily, the maximum penalty is six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.

Wounding means the breaking of the continuity of the whole of the outer skin, or the inner skin within the cheek or lip. It does not include the rupturing of internal blood vessels.