Gbh section 18 and abh section 47???

[manclad2525]

Iv been found guilty! section 18 ghb with intent and abh section 47 last week in manchester crown court. Everyone was in complete shock as all the evidence went in my favour, including the judge!

The judge was really nice and said." I havnt troubled the courts before, he didnt think i was a dangour to the public, but due to the serious of the charge he has to prepare me foe a custodial sentance"

The judge has given me bail and i appear for sentencing in 3 weeks. Is this the norm???

can anyone give me a clue of what im looking to do???

[NORMANTHEDOG]

catch the next plane to brazil.

[kittywoo]

well i9 if the judge has said you need to prepare for a custodial sentance it is very likley you will go down.. im sorry but not sure of exact term. a person i know got twelve months but only served six.. it depends on the circumstances.. if the judge understands he may give you minimal term... but if its custodial they have a guide to follow check with your solicitor!

[NORMANTHEDOG]

if its crown court,it will be about 12/18 months,out in 9.

[manclad2525]

Did you mate get 12 months for 18 and 47? or just the 18?

Does it help if i write a letter to the judge, saying how sorry i am about it all?

what can i do to get the lowest possibe sentance? It was 18 months ago when it all happened, do they take that into consideration?

[CushtyFred]

Haha your going to prison

[kittywoo]

just section 18.... it may help to write... again id speak to a solicitor they will know more...

[MrSensible]

Section 18 is quite serious - send him down 18 months.

But don't worry as our courts are very soft you'll only serve half and get it further reduced no doubt.

Probably expect to serve about 2 days if you're unlucky.

[manclad2525]

Thank you for your answer MrSensible.
I understand that section 18 is a serous charge. When iv been looking it says the min term i will do is 5 yrs, is this the guide lines, is it up to the judge?

[jasaimo]

it is normal to reappear for sentancing i would have thought you`ll get 12months maybe less for your good record but what ever you get you`ll only do half. i know a few people how have been inside and they say its a piece of ****. good luck

[jake-the-peg]

Here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200 506/cmhansrd/cm060213/text/60213w66.htm

You'll see that the average custodial sentence handed down under section 18 in 2004 was just over 4 years.

There is not a minimum sentence in 2003 and 2004 the minimum handed down was 6 months however the prosecution can appeal if it feels the sentence is too lenient and have it increased.

There's a spreadsheet here with prosecution appeals and the outcomes:

http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.uk/attachments/ 2004_ULS.xls

Pretty much all GBH cases where the offender was not given a custodial sentence and there was an appeal a custodial sentence was imposed.

[don4]

hi, my brother just got sentanced for 18months (on friday)... to serve 9... got section 20.... gbh, having been dropped from section18. at his court case prior to sentancing the judge said a custodial sentance was ineveitable. as for the judge giving u promising comments... pls pls take this with a pinch of salt... at the verdict the judge explained to my brother... "you are a young man, with no previous offences, you have shown real remorse, you have a promising career, i believe u r of no risk to the public" however he still sentanced him to 18months! all im trying to say is expect the worst coz what the judge is saying sounds very very similar to what my brother got told.

[manclad2525]

Thank you for that answer. Did your brother have a report from probation? I was hoping that i wouldnt go but i surpose i have to prepare for the worse.

If you dont mind me asking, what did he do and whan did he do it?

[dinger128]

I find it surprising that your being sentenced for an 18 and a 47, I'd find a better defence lawyer if I were you!

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent is an extremely serious crime. If there is overwhelming evidence and you have very little in terms of a defence or excuse, I don't think "I'm sorry" is going to cut it.

If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.

[dinger128]

Further to my last, I see a few people complaining of the sentancing being carried out. GBH Sec.18 carries Life Imprisonment so 18 months is absolutely nothing in comparison.

[mooney1111]

so what happened to you did you get the jail ???