What are scottish laws on assault?

Question

i punched someone in the face and broke their nose, but only because they were shouting abuse at me and challenging me to a fight. Since then i have heard they are going to the police about it so i was wondering what will happen if they do.

Answer 1

Because they sustained a broken nose you could be charged with Assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH).

This potentially a very serious charge which carries a 5 year jail term.

Answer 2

The police will firstly interview you to get your side of the story.

Then they will interview any potential witnesses.

Then they will report the facts to the Procurator Fiscal.

The Procurator then decides whether or not to proceed. If he/she does then you will be taken to court and tried.

Answer 3

not sure now, but in the 1700's the following applied:

its okay for the Scottish to cross the border and loot English towns - but its illegal for the English to chase after them and do the same back.

Answer 4

Thats easy. According to Grampian Police, if you get the first punch in, thats self defence. If you get the second punch in, thats assault. You should be OK.