Digital Age Legal Challenges: Tech Evidence Explained
by Zoe Corderoy | Dealing with the Police

Common assault includes both the use of unlawful force and conduct that causes another person to fear immediate unlawful violence, even where no physical contact occurs. Where force is applied, this may be charged as battery.
Although common assault is regarded as a lower-level offence, prosecutions are common and convictions can carry serious consequences. The offence carries a maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment and results in a criminal record upon conviction.
Our Brighton assault solicitors assess each case individually, whether it involves allegations of domestic abuse, self-defence or a dispute where no assault has in fact occurred.
Assault offences encompass a wide range of allegations, from common assault to the most serious offences such as manslaughter or murder. In Brighton, allegations may arise from social situations, domestic disputes, misunderstandings or allegations where the use of force is contested.
Even where injuries are minor or disputed, the consequences of an assault charge can be significant. Convictions may lead to custody, community penalties, restraining orders and a lasting criminal record. Early advice from specialist assault solicitors in Brighton is crucial to managing risk and building an effective defence.
ABH involves an assault that causes identifiable physical injury, such as bruising or cuts. GBH involves far more serious harm, including broken bones, deep wounds or permanent injury, and is prosecuted under sections 18 or 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
Section 18 GBH carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, while ABH carries up to five years’ imprisonment. These cases require specialist legal advice due to their complexity and seriousness.
Assault allegations in Brighton often arise from incidents in nightlife venues, seafront areas, shared accommodation, workplaces and domestic settings. We regularly defend clients accused following disputes in bars and clubs, incidents involving public transport, neighbour disagreements and domestic arguments that escalate into police involvement.
Given Brighton’s busy visitor economy and extensive use of CCTV and mobile phone footage, cases frequently depend on video evidence, witness interpretation and conflicting accounts. Early legal representation is vital to ensure evidence is reviewed fairly and your version of events is properly presented.
Our Brighton assault defence team regularly acts in cases involving:
If you are being investigated or prosecuted for an assault offence in Brighton or Hove, it is essential to obtain early advice from experienced criminal defence solicitors. Old Bailey Solicitors has a long-established reputation for defending assault and violent crime allegations across Brighton, Sussex and the South East.
Our firm is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and accredited with the Lexcel Legal Practice Quality Mark, demonstrating our commitment to high standards of client care and legal expertise. We understand how disruptive and distressing assault allegations can be and are committed to protecting your rights, reputation and freedom.
Whether you are attending a police station interview, released under investigation or facing court proceedings, we offer representation through legal aid or private fixed-fee arrangements, depending on eligibility.
Old Bailey Solicitors is a specialist criminal defence firm with extensive experience representing clients accused of assault in Brighton courts. We provide clear, tailored advice and strong courtroom advocacy.
Our team will:
We are known for our careful preparation, strategic advice and client-focused approach.
If you are facing an assault allegation in Brighton, our experienced criminal defence solicitors are available to support you whenever you need us.
Sussex House
Crowhurst Rd
Hollingbury
Brighton and Hove
Brighton
BN1 8AF
Phone:020 7846 4999
Email: [email protected]
Our office on Crowhurst Road is conveniently located near to a number of bus stops which are served by the bus numbers 5B, 24, 26, 52, 55 and N5.
There is short term parking available at the nearby Asda superstore.
We are committed to making our office environment accessible for all, so if you have any specific requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can arrange how we can accommodate you.
