Grievous Bodily Harm

The offence of causing grievous bodily harm is created by section 320 of the Criminal Code.

Grievous bodily harm is defined as:

(a)  the loss of a distinct part or an organ of the body; or

(b)  serious disfigurement; or

(c)  any bodily injury of such a nature that, if left untreated, would endanger or be likely to endanger life, or cause or be likely to cause permanent injury to health.

The maximum penalty is 14 years imprisonment. There is a mandatory minimum sentence of 1 year imprisonment if the person is part of a criminal organisation and commits the offence against an on-duty police officer. Furthermore, the accused faces a mandatory community service order if they commit the offence in a public place while intoxicated.