In NSW, Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) is a serious criminal
offence that is governed by the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The offence of
GBH is defined as any act that causes really serious
harm to another person.
Under section 54 of the Crimes Act 1900
(NSW), GBH is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 25 years
imprisonment. Examples of GBH include: intentionally
or recklessly causing the harm, or by committing an unlawful and dangerous act
that causes the harm.
The definition of GBH under the Crimes Act 1900
(NSW) includes injuries that are both physical and psychological. Examples
of GBH include broken bones, internal injuries, permanent disfigurement, and
serious mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
It’s important to note that the severity of the injuries
caused will be taken into account by the court when
determining the appropriate penalty for a GBH offence. In addition to
imprisonment, a person convicted of GBH may also be ordered to pay compensation
to the victim and/or undergo rehabilitation or counselling.
If you have been charged with GBH or have been a victim of
this offence, it is very important to seek legal advice.
There have been several notable cases in NSW involving the
offence of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). Here are a few examples:
1. R v Whyte (2002) –
In this case, the accused was charged with GBH after he punched the victim in
the face, causing her to fall and hit her head on the pavement. The victim
suffered a fractured skull and other injuries. The accused argued that he acted
in self-defence, but the court rejected this argument and convicted him of GBH.
He was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 2 years.
2. R v Dang (2012) –
In this case, the accused was charged with GBH after he struck the victim with
a baseball bat, causing a fractured skull and other injuries. The accused
argued that he did not intend to cause serious harm and that the victim had
provoked him. However, the court rejected these arguments and convicted him of
GBH. He was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 4
years.
3. R v Donkin (2015) –
In this case, the accused was charged with GBH after he punched the victim in
the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground. The victim
suffered a serious brain injury and was in a coma for several weeks. The
accused argued that he did not intend to cause serious harm and that the victim
had been aggressive towards him. However, the court rejected these arguments
and convicted him of GBH. He was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment with a
non-parole period of 5 years.
These cases demonstrate the seriousness with which the
courts in NSW treat the offence of GBH and the significant penalties that can
be imposed upon conviction. It is very important to seek legal advice if you
have been charged with an offence.
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*This article correctly reflects the Laws of NSW as at 21st June 2023.
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