GBH with intent (section 18)
Section 18 is wounding someone or causing them really serious harm with the intention of causing really serious harm, or to resist or prevent a lawful arrest. It is the most serious non-fatal assault offence, can only be tried in the Crown Court and carries a maximum of life imprisonment.
Law checked as at 25 September 2026. Legal information only, not legal advice, and not a prediction of any sentence.
At a glance
| Also known as | Section 18 GBH, Wounding with intent, Causing grievous bodily harm with intent, GBH with intent |
|---|---|
| The law | Offences against the Person Act 1861, section 18 |
| Where it is tried | indictable only. The case is sent straight to the Crown Court after a first appearance in the magistrates' court, and any trial is before a judge and jury. |
| Maximum penalty | Life imprisonment. The Sentencing Code's provisions on dangerous offenders, including extended sentences, can apply. |
| Sentencing guideline | Sentencing Council: Causing grievous bodily harm with intent to do grievous bodily harm / Wounding with intent to do GBH |
Maximum penalties are the most a court can impose for the worst cases. Most sentences are far lower, and the actual sentence depends on the facts, any guilty plea and the court's assessment.
What the prosecution must prove
- The defendant unlawfully wounded the victim or caused them grievous bodily harm (really serious harm).
- The defendant intended to cause grievous bodily harm, or intended to resist or prevent the lawful arrest or detention of any person.
- Intent can be inferred from the evidence, such as use of a weapon, the number and force of blows, what was said and the nature of the injuries.
- The act was unlawful, for example not justified by reasonable self-defence.
Defences and common issues
- No intention to cause really serious harm, which may lead to a conviction for section 20 GBH instead.
- Self-defence or defence of another using force that was reasonable in the circumstances as the defendant believed them to be.
- Identification: the defendant was not the person who caused the injury.
- Causation: the injury was not caused by the defendant's act.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum sentence for section 18 GBH?
The maximum sentence for section 18 wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent is life imprisonment. In practice sentences are set using the Sentencing Council guideline, which looks at how serious the harm was and how culpable the offender was, for example whether there was a weapon, planning or a prolonged attack. Section 18 is a specified violent offence, so courts can also impose an extended sentence where the offender is assessed as dangerous.
Is section 18 the same as attempted murder?
No. Attempted murder requires proof that the defendant intended to kill, which is a very high bar. Section 18 requires an intention to cause really serious harm, or to resist or prevent a lawful arrest, together with a wound or serious injury actually being caused. Many serious stabbings and beatings are charged under section 18 because the evidence shows an intention to seriously injure rather than to kill. Both are tried only in the Crown Court.
How do courts decide if someone intended serious harm?
Intention is rarely admitted, so the jury decides it from all the evidence. Relevant factors can include whether a weapon was used or brought to the scene, where and how many times the victim was struck, kicks or stamps to the head, anything said before or during the incident, and the defendant's account. The jury must be sure of the intention. If it is not, it may be able to convict of the less serious section 20 offence instead.
Will a section 18 case go to the Crown Court?
Yes. Section 18 is an indictable-only offence, so after a first hearing in the magistrates' court the case is sent to the Crown Court. The magistrates deal only with preliminary matters, usually including bail. At the Crown Court the defendant enters a plea, and if they plead not guilty the trial takes place before a judge and jury. A defence solicitor will usually instruct a barrister or solicitor-advocate for the Crown Court hearings.
Do I have to answer police questions if I am arrested for GBH?
You do not have to answer police questions, and you have the right to free and independent legal advice at the police station at any time. However, in England and Wales a court may draw an adverse inference if you later rely on a fact in your defence that you could reasonably have mentioned in interview (Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, ss.34 to 38). Whether to answer questions, give a prepared statement or say 'no comment' is something a solicitor can advise on before the interview.
Official sources
Primary sources and official guidance on this topic, for anyone who wants to read the underlying rules directly.
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