Wounding or grievous bodily harm—with intent: Points to Prove, Wording & Penalty

Wounding or grievous bodily harm—with intent

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

What the law says

Whosoever shall unlawfully and maliciously by any means whatsoever wound or cause any grievous bodily harm to any person with intent to do some grievous bodily harm to any person, or with intent to resist or prevent the lawful apprehension or detainer of any person, shall be guilty of felony.

CJS codes

Official CJS offence index (March 2026)

—Charged under the specific underlying offence code.

Points to prove

1. unlawfully and maliciously
2. caused grievous bodily harm or wounded a person
3. with intent to
4. do grievous bodily harm or resist/prevent lawful apprehension/detention of self/another

Defences

In relation to the offence of wounding or causing GBH with intent to resist or prevent lawful arrest/detention, it must be proved: arrest/detention was lawful; defendant must have known that arrest was being made on them/another person.

Mode of trial & maximum penalty

Indictable only — Indictment: Life imprisonment

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

Sources

Verified dataset — legislation.gov.uk (current revised versions)

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