In law an assault is where the defendant intentionally or recklessly causes the victim to apprehend immediate unlawful personal violence. Some of the key cases include R v Ireland, Fagan v MPC, R v Lamb, Logdon v DPP, R v Constanza, Tuberville v Savage, Smith v CC Woking. Assault is a summary offence with a maximum sentence of 6 months. The actus reus of assault is where the defendant causes the victim to apprehend immediate unlawful personal violence. The mens rea is intention or reckless as to causing the victim's apprehension. Some areas of contention are whether words can amount to an assault and whether there can be an assault where no violence can actually be inflicted. Assault may be relevant in cases involving ABH leading to psychiatric harm and could also need to be proved for constructive manslaughter
