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section 18, Offences Against the Person Act 1861

Section 18 - wounding with intent

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

What the law says

Section 18, Offences Against the Person Act 1861
The completed offence is committed where the defendant unlawfully and maliciously wounds or causes grievous bodily harm, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, or with intent to resist or prevent the lawful apprehension or detention of a person. Maliciously requires intention or recklessness as to causing some physical harm; where intent to cause grievous bodily harm is proved it adds nothing further.

CJS codes
Official CJS offence index (June 2026)
OF61016Section 18 - wounding with intent

Points to prove

  • 1. The defendant unlawfully wounded another person or caused another person grievous bodily harm.
  • 2. The defendant acted maliciously: intending or being reckless as to causing some physical harm; where intent to cause grievous bodily harm is proved, maliciously adds nothing further.
  • 3. The defendant intended to cause grievous bodily harm to a person, or intended to resist or prevent the lawful apprehension or detention of a person.

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Defences

  • Self-defence / defence of another / prevention of crime — common law and s 76 Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (reasonable force)

Mode of trial & maximum penalty

Indictable only — Court maximum
On indictment: Life imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Out-of-court disposal
Not a fixed penalty or penalty notice for disorder offence.

Sources

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