ABSTRACT
It will be noted that this section refers to ‘causing’ rather than ‘inflicting’ grievous bodily harm. This distinction from the wording used in s 20 is, however, no longer of any significance, given that, as we have seen, it has been held that an assault is not necessary for the s 20 offence. The breadth of the s 18 offence is nevertheless emphasised by the words ‘by any means whatsoever’. Provided there is a sufficient causal link between the D’s behaviour and the harm suffered by the V, then the actus reus will be committed. The general issues of causation, and liability for omissions, discussed in Chapter 2,124 will of course be relevant here.
