Charged for ABH

[AKAL1]

I have been charged with ABH. I had never ever been in involved in any trouble in my life at 40 years of age. I am very depressed and my life has changed upside down – I am almost suicidal. I had a dispute with a partner in a restaurant business, he wanted to leave and wants his money, he called for a meeting and then came with 7/8 men with him to intimidate me. Whilst discussing the problem one man in his early 30s from nowhere started insulting by saying don’t I understand the language spoken and then started flashing £15,000 and said if I wanted to take it. I got upset and said that I can’t discussing this matter and walked outside through the back door and slowly walked to front of the restaurant. Next I heard someone coming behind me. I looked up and saw the same men rushing towards me and thought he was going to attack me so I pushed him. He fell over and saw the other men running towards so I ran to the car and drove off.
I understand that police were called in. After the police left the men changed the lock of the business premises. They told all the staff not to come to work and asked for my home address.
Next day I wrote to the local police station but did not hear anything, I was too scared to go to the premises. I told a solicitor, he got a bailiff to change the premises lock after 2 weeks.
A week ago, after 2 months a police phone me and said to interview me, I went a long and arrested me and charged me with ABH. The police said they have an independent witness whose statements collaborate with the man. They said that the man came out for cigarette and I punched him very hard and kicked him. He suffered from broken nose and has back and hip problems.
I am absolutely shocked by the injuries, but never can work out how this could have happened.
I am so scared what’s going to happen to me. If I go to jail my wife and 2 children will suffer. I lose my job and home.

[clickityclick]

doubt you'll go to jail, my partner suffered an assault and the man who did it was charged with GBH with wounding, (i think that is a higher charge) an we went to crown court this week the man who ples guilty got a suspended sentence and 200 hrs unpaid work order, and a hefty fine. i think the earlier you plea the better off you'll be and cheaper!

[AKAL1]

EDDIE51 - Thanks for the response. The code is 47 and some (H.O. 8/6 local none CJS OF61102) additional stuff I don’t understand.

Clickityclick - Thanks for your response too. I am really confused because I can't find any explanation as how I could have caused such terrible injuries just by pushing him.

[clickityclick]

my partner suffered a broken nose and needed 7 stitches to his lip, the man or i should say boy as he was 17 at the time caused the injuires, my partner was 6 foot and 17 stone, like i said befor you could of been charged with GBH, if you plea early you should be able to plea a lesser charge like common assault, the lad who assaulted my partner got no reduction in charge at crown court and has cost over £7000 to pay.

[AKAL1]

I went to the magistrate court with a solicitor today. We have obtained more information. The medical reports say that he has a fracture nose and swelling of the nose does not mention any other injuries as the police officer claimed. They are claiming he went outside for a cigarette and I attacked him un-provoked, I punched him 2 twice and kicked him 5 times. He has got 5 eyewitness, all of them are part of the group of men and produced similar eye witness. The statements are approximately 1 month old so they must have enough time to collaborate. Again there are no independent witnesses as the police officer claimed.
I am really confused. I did not punch and kicked him, he rushed towards behind me, I looked up and saw him, I assumed he was doing to hit me because of the anger in his face and I pushed him. I really can’t see how I could admit to something I have not done. I feel strongly I am the victim in this. However I feel very bad and guilty for the man getting fracture nose. I pleaded not guilty
The judge said the allegations are so serious it could only be dealt in crown court.
I did not qualify for legal aid, despite I have a suffered heavy business losses and as a result have financial problems. The solicitors said the income between me and my wife are above the legal aid threshold but does not account for any losses.