Element 4: Direct Infliction Of Force

Question 1

Scott v Shepherd

Answer 1

The question was whether C was the subject of a direct infliction of force by Shepherd. The Court held: yes. Shepherd directly inflicted force even though the force passed through two unwitting agents.

Question 2

Haystead v Dpp

Answer 2

Held: there was a battery by D to the woman and the baby.

“Is the application of force entirely and immediately the result of the appellants action?” ; yes

Question 3

DPP v K

Answer 3

The court held: even though there was a period of time between putting the acid in the hand dryer and it burning C, it was still sufficiently direct and entirely the immediate result of D’s actions

Question 4

Breslin v McKenna

Answer 4

“ impact caused by the detonation of a bomb is in my view direct injury and a delay in detonation makes no difference.”

Question 5

Contact via animate object:

Answer 5

Still direct.

Dodwell v Burford ; horse was still direct

Question 6

Contact via inanimate object;

Answer 6

Still direct.

Purcell v Horn - if D throws something e.g. water at someone and it hits someone else’s clothes, therefore body, this is still direct.