my son was attacked whilst he worked in a bar. He has been charged with gbh 18 as he hit someone with a glass on the head whilst defending himself. We are so worried but dont know what to do

[maisie]

[R1Geezer]

he should plead not guilty citing self defence, however using a glass could muddy the waters a bit, depends in how much danger he was in I guess.

[maisie]

He was pinned over a car and could not get away. Was collecting glasses outside at the time. Never been in trouble before.

[R1Geezer]

OK then plead no guiltyand explain the circumstances in court.

[maisie]

thanks..

[bednobs]

or better still, take professional legal advice (no offence geezer)

[Twenty20]

But was using a glass on someone appropriate? I'm trying to imagine the scenario where your son was collecting glasses (amongst cars?) and someone attacked him and pinned him over a car (what provoked it?).

I assume there are witnesses, what do they say?

[eddy51]

You should be aware that if he is convicted of a section 18 offence, there is a minimum jail term of 4 years. He needs to get professional legal help NOW .

[maisie]

he was collecting glasses from the beer garden when it happened. there were parked cars next to the garden. The guy who attacked him weanted the glass to hit someone who was fighting with his mate.

[jake-the-peg]

With that version of events and if there is anybody to back up his story I can't understand why the police have charged him.

Assuming you weren't there, It is possible that his story isn't entirely accurate.

This comes under "glassing" and the sentencing guidelines for it are severe.

He needs a good lawyer fast

[jake-the-peg]

Here you go

http://www.sentencing...0HARM%20WITH%20INTENT

3 years should be regarded as normal

Now go and get professional advice

[maisie]

His story is true...lots of backup as to others fighting and drunk...we dont understand why he was charged either. He was the one attacked. The area he was in has just printed some research to say the local police wher failing to deal with anti social behaviour, which frightens me.

[jake-the-peg]

Well from the CPS' perspective it sounds as if there is a lot of witnesses saying there was a lot of drunk fighting and there's your son having glassed someone.

You need witnesses saying he was minding his own business and got attacked.

Was he with friends? what do they say?

[maisie]

unfortunaley for my son he was new to the area and knew no one....he was the only sober person...which was backed up in all statements. It's a big mess. And had devistated my family. Heres hoping that the truth really s the only way.

[dh001]

Did you soin have a legal represenative during formal police interviews, if so, has any indications been given?.

[jake-the-peg]

I wouldn't rely on hoping if I were you.

If there was violent disorder and someone was glassed and there are lots of nasty pictures of injuries a court is going to want to set an example especially if it's an area that's known to be rough.

Here's a link regarding legal aid

http://www.communityl...galaid/calculator.jsp

There's a number on it call them

[maisie]

thanks for the input..i hope the others trup themselves up...all friends together!!! I am sure the truth will come out.

[maisie]

dh...he did have legal rep at thepolice station but i feel it was useless.....they should have told him to counter charge. This would have made a difference i feel.

[dh001]

Hi maise. Most solicitors who attend police stations are useless i am afraid. However, has the solicitor given any indication how s/he thought the interview went with the police and whether the prosecution have a good case of GBH with the intent.

Your son is obviously claiming self-defence which is a matter of law and for the courts to decide. Just because he has been charged it does not mean he is guilty. Has your son been charged with the Section 18 assault (it will state the specific offence on the charge sheet) and what injuries did the complainant sustain.

thanks

[maisie]

Will have to look at the charge sheet to see. He was told he was very honest and believeable by police and solicitor. Unfortunately they guy has a cut to his head, but no other injuries.