battery

Intro

• s.39 Criminal Justice Act 1988

• summary offence

• max 6 months  

• Definition- D intentionally or recklessly applies unlawful physical force to another 

Actus reus- things that are sufficient

• Physical Force - slightest touch- Cole v Turner 

• Touching clothing– Thomas 

• Force applied indirectly on V- Martin/ Haystead 

• Throwing liquid 

• Unlike assault, can be committed by omission- DPP v Santana – Bermudez 

Actus reus 2

Unlawful – lack of consent- not required to apprehend any injury pain or harm

Mens rea

• D intentionally or recklessly applies unlawful force on V – Venna 

• Intention- only proved if direct D’s main aim or desire- Mohan 

• Reckless- foresees risk of inflicting unlawful force on V but takes risk anyway- Cunningham