s20

• JCC V Eisenhower (wounding)

  wound requires both layers of skin breaking
• Martin (wounding) - Indirect

  Defendant blocked exit doors and put lights out and shouted fire. In panic many were severely injured
• Burstow (wounding) - Direct

  Defendant stalked their victim
• Smith (GBH)

  GBH means really serious bodily harm
• Burstow (GBH)

  Psychiatric harm can be GBH as long as its serious
• R V Bollom (GBH)

  elderly and children, harm will be more serious
• Wilson (GBH)

  s20 can be committed without need for assault and battery

  Confirmed in Ireland

  Don't have to apply direct or indirect force - only need to prove defendant caused the victim to suffer GBH
• R V Dica (GBH)

  If no assault and battery it can be biological - HIV transmitted through consensual sex
• Mowatt (Mens rea)

  Defendant doesn't need mens rea for serious harm
• R V Parmenter (Mens rea)

  Defendant tossed baby in air and didn't realise he could cause harm by doing this - wasn't liable as he didn't foresee any harm