Violent crime covers a variety of offences – ranging from common assault to murder. It also encompasses the use of weapons such as firearms, knives and corrosive substances like acid.
Murder
Subject to some exceptions, murder is committed when a person of “sound mind” unlawfully kills another human with the intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm (GBH)
Manslaughter
Where an unlawful killing is done without an intention to kill or to cause grievous bodily harm, the suspect is to be charged with manslaughter.
Rape
Rape is the unlawful sexual intercourse or any other sexual penetration of another person, with or without force.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping is the unlawful taking and carrying away of a person by force or the unlawful seizure and detention of a person against his will.
GBH
It is the severity of harm, including psychological harm, which determines whether the offence will be ABH or GBH. GBH amounts to really serious harm.
Firearms offences
Firearms offences range from having an imitation firearm in a public space through to possession of a firearm with the intentions to endanger life