The maximum sentence is 6 months in the Magistrates’ Court or 5 years custody at the Crown Court

GBH is a criminal offence contrary to Sections 18 & 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

• Both Sections 18 and 20 are indictable only offences, meaning they can only be dealt with in the Crown Court
• Section 18 is more serious than section 20
• In a Section 18 case (known as wounding with intent), the prosecution must prove the defendant intentionally inflicted grievous bodily harm and intended to do so
• In a Section 20 case (known as unlawful wounding) the prosecution does not need to prove an intention to inflict grievous bodily harm. They can prove the case regardless whether the behaviour was intentional or reckless (not intentional)

• A Section 18 GBH carries the maximum penalty of life imprisonment
  

• A Section 20 GBH carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment

It’s improbable that you will only receive a fine for GBH. However, the minimum sentence you are likely to receive is a community sentence such as unpaid work, plus financial penalties. However, you could also be subject to other community sentences where you report to probation and/or receive a suspended prison sentence.

This is where the judge gives you a prison sentence but says that you will not go immediately to prison. During the period of the suspension, you must comply with the terms of the order, such as unpaid work. If you fail to comply, you can be sent to prison to complete the sentence in custody.