section 1(1), Criminal Attempts Act 1981

Attempt to assault a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm

The statutory wording, points to prove, defences and penalty — verified against legislation.gov.uk (current revised versions, July 2026).

What the law says

Attempt to assault a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm — topic/offence reference under Contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981..

CJS codes
Official CJS offence index (March 2026)
—Charged under the specific underlying offence code.

Points to prove

  • 1. The defendant did an act which was more than merely preparatory to committing an assault occasioning actual bodily harm (s 47 OAPA 1861) on another person
  • 2. At the time of the act the defendant intended to assault that person — to apply unlawful force to them or cause them to apprehend immediate unlawful violence
  • 3. The defendant intended thereby to occasion actual bodily harm — for an attempt, intention as to the harm is required; recklessness is insufficient

Defences

  • Self-defence / defence of another / prevention of crime (common law; s 76 Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008; s 3 Criminal Law Act 1967) — the force intended must be unlawful

Mode of trial & maximum penalty

Either way — Summary: 6 months' imprisonment and/or a fine; Indictment: 5 years' imprisonment and/or a fine

Reference only — verify against current legislation and force policy before charge. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Sources

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