What is Affray? Affray is usually considered more serious than common assault and carries heavier penalties. The main difference between assault and affray is that other people fear for their safety. If you are charged with affray, you will have to go to Court.

What is affray and assault?

Affray is a violence offence very similar to assault but that is considered to be more serious. Where assault may be committed towards an individual, affray involves other people fearing for their safety as a result of the act of violence.

Is affray classed as violence?

The mens rea of affray is that person is guilty of affray only if he intends to use or threaten violence or is aware that his conduct may be violent or threaten violence. The offence of affray has been used by HM Government to address the problem of drunken or violent individuals who cause serious trouble on airliners.