What sentence do i expect

[graeme39]

i had a run in with a 16 year old and his 2 friends im 39 i approached him and in turn i hit him across the back of the head while he punched me to the ground breaking my eye socket and nose now im being charged with assault what sentence could i expect if i plead guilty

[alexanderd]

Did you strike the first blow and if so why

[graeme39]

i had run out of petrol at the side of the road and him and his mates were shouting and making my 6 year old daughter cry i went out and confronted them and shouting occured and i hit him first

[alexanderd]

Well you were provoked but you did strike the first blow. Plead Guilty and you may get off with a warning or community service and a fine but I am no expert

[jukeboxjive]

You certainly cannot plead self defence.

[graeme39]

its my first offence as well just wanted to know what to expect i need to go into the police station tomorrow to give a statement

[alexanderd]

If you have not actually been charged yet and you are as hurt as you say, you may get off with a warning as to your future conduct, but I waould advise you to get a lawyer

[AlBags]

I sympathise with you .. However, the lay will treat you as the adult and you hit a child (however ridiculous it may have seemed at the time)
Plead guilty mate and hold your hands up from square one. The judge, if a decent one, will be lenient.

[graeme39]

police came round about an hour ago and said they were arresting me but immediately put me on bail if i went into the police station tomorrow to give my version of events

[alexanderd]

fingers crossed for you mate, let us know what happens

[MarkRae]

This is a serious matter and, as such, requires professional legal advice rather than a website such as this.

Do yourself a huge favour and seek legal representation first thing on Monday morning. Your local CAB would be a good place to begin...

[seadogg]

I think the days are gone when we can approach these louts. Its a lose, lose situation however justified you may be. How did you know they weren't tooled up? At the same time I admire your guts.

[slinky.kate]

cant you countercharge

[graeme39]

thats it i didnt know they were not tooled up but i should of just stayed in my car and not approached em but when my 6 year old is frightened and crying because of it the protective side of me comes into effect as far as i know he has no injuries just a clout round the back of the head its me with the serious injuries

[AlBags]

If one is antagonised enough .. you do what you have to do at the time.

[AlBags]

Go tomorrow .. keep calm and be precise with record of events.
Tell them you will be happy to answer further questioning during the week with your solicitor present.
Call one you know .. ask them if they can represent you. If so, go see them and give them the story.

[sherrardk]

As it's Sunday tomorrow can you not take the duty solicitor in to the interview with you (just to stop you saying anything that you shouldn't)?

[graeme39]

yeah i will go and put my story to them as for after the event its very blurry i dont even remember going to casualty in the ambulance

[graeme39]

i will take the duty solicitor in with me yes

[joko]

for future reference, id say your daughter was more traumatised by watching her dad shouting and fighting than if you had just sat there and ignored them... she was in no danger, so you were not 'protecting' her...so that is no defence