6Meaning of *assault* and *sexual assault*

6 Meaning of *assault* and *sexual assault* (1) For the purposes of this Act— ***assault*** means the direct or indirect application of force by a person to the body of, or to clothing or equipment worn by, another person where the application of force— (a) is— (i) without lawful excuse; and (ii) with intent to inflict, or being reckless as to the infliction of, bodily injury, pain, discomfort, damage, insult or deprivation of liberty; and (b) results in the infliction of any such consequence (whether or not the consequence inflicted is the consequence intended or foreseen). (2) For the purposes of this Act— ***sexual assault*** means an assault of a sexual nature. (3) In subsection (1)— ***application of force*** includes— (a) application of heat, light, electric current or any other form of energy; and (b) application of matter in solid, liquid or gaseous form.