aggravated offence In England and Wales, section 29(1)(c) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c.37) creates the distinct offence of racially or religiously aggravated common assault. Status of offence This is the least serious assault. It is not at all uncommon for more serious assault charges to be reduced to common assault in "plea-bargaining" by prosecutors to avoid the additional expense of a Crown Court trial should the defendant elect for same. In real terms, the degree of fear or the level of injury required for a conviction can be unproven. No injury is required to prove battery. See also Battery Assault occasioning actual bodily harm Grievous bodily harm References Archbold Criminal Pleading, Evidence and Practice, 1999, paragraphs 19–166 to 19–189 at pages 1605 to 1611 External links Crown Prosecution Service Assault Crimes English criminal law Common law offences in England and Wales