Definition: Causing another person to fear immediate unlawful violence.

• Actus reus: An act causing the victim to apprehend immediate unlawful force.

• Mens rea: Intention or recklessness as to causing that fear.

Case: R v Ireland [1998] – Silent phone calls can amount to assault if they cause fear of immediate violence.

Definition: The application of unlawful force to another person.

• Actus reus: Applying unlawful physical force.

• Mens rea: Intention or recklessness as to applying that force.

Case: Collins v Wilcock [1984] – Even minor touching can be a battery if it goes beyond everyday contact.

Assault and battery are often charged together as “common assault.”

Definition: An assault or battery that causes actual bodily harm to the victim.

• Actus reus: Assault or battery that results in ABH (any injury more than “transient or trifling”).

• Mens rea: Intention or recklessness for the initial assault or battery, no need to foresee harm.

Case:

• R v Miller [1954] – ABH includes any injury that interferes with health or comfort.

• R v Savage; Parmenter [1992] – No need to prove intention to cause harm, only intention for assault/battery.

Definition: Unlawfully and maliciously wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm.

• Actus reus: Wounding (breaking both layers of skin) or causing GBH (serious harm).

• Mens rea: Intention or recklessness as to causing some harm (not necessarily serious).

Case:

• R v DPP v Smith [1961] – GBH means “really serious harm.”

• R v Savage; Parmenter [1992] – “Maliciously” means intending or foreseeing some harm.

Definition: Unlawfully and maliciously wounding or causing GBH with intent to cause GBH or resist arrest.

• Actus reus: Same as s.20.

• Mens rea: Specific intent to cause really serious harm or to resist lawful arrest.

Case: R v Belfon [1976] – Must prove intent to cause serious injury.