Kimberly recently ended her relationship with Ben, a work colleague. Ben was very angry about this and decided to 'teach her a lesson'. He sent her a number of obscene and abusive messages by email, and also left similar messages on her answering machine. Owing to this Kimberly suffered a severe psychological reaction and was absent from work for three months.

On her return to work, Kimberly saw Ben in a corridor. He was holding open a heavy glass door and as Kimberly approached he made a movement which made it appear as if he was about to swing the door at her. Kimberly jumped back in alarm, fell and broke her arm. Ben now says that he was only moving the door slightly 'for a laugh'.

Richard, a colleague, became aware of these incidents. He approached Ben and told him 'to pick on somebody your own size'. They agreed to 'settle things' in the boxing ring in the work's gym. They fought together one evening and each suffered cuts and bruises.

Advise Ben and Richard as to their potential criminal liability.