It is the severity of harm, including psychological harm, which determines whether the offence will be ABH or GBH. ABH can be surmised as harm which may affect the health or comfort of the victim, whereas GBH amounts to really serious harm. Both offences can be committed intentionally or recklessly, and it is this which will have a severe effect on sentence.
While self-defence is commonly raised in cases of this nature, this is a complex area of law and depends on the level of force used in self-defence and the circumstances of the offence as a whole.
If you are accused of ABH or GBH you should seek legal advice immediately.
It is vital that you receive the best advice possible and provide as much detail of the facts of your case as you can to ensure the right result for you.
MK Law is on hand to help you through all stages of the process.