How long would you get in prison for a serious assault causing permanent disfigurement, if it's your first offence?

The sentence for an assault that left someone permanently disfigured is covered by the charge of GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm), and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the UK.  

Sentences may vary between countries, but this is the type of maximum sentence you can expect to find with this type of crime.

Of course, there are a number of factors that are considered within the sentencing procedure for a GBH charge, and they have huge implications on the type of sentence.  Not everyone being charged with GBH will face life imprisonment.

In fact, a recent example in the UK (click here for full report) details how a man was sentenced to only 12 months prison time for an assault that left a man permanently impaired.  

There is a chance that this sentence will be increased, but it just goes to show how sentences can vary.

How are sentences decided?

If found guilty of GBH, the sentence will be decided based on a number of variables.  Here are a few that are taken into consideration:

1. The intent of the assault.  Was the person intending to cause serious damage to their victim?
2. Premeditation.  Had the offender decided in advance that they would cause serious harm to another person?
3. Previous record.  Does the offender have a record of criminal activity?
4. The result of the crime.  How much damage has been caused to the victim?

These are merely a few examples of things that are taken into consideration during sentencing.  If the offender has no history of previous criminal activity, the crime may be seen as out of character, and as such, may carry a lesser sentence.

It's difficult to guess the length of a sentence for GBH without knowing the full details of the case, but it would certainly go without saying that a serious assault leading to permanent disfigurement would carry a pretty hefty prison sentence in most instances.