Robbery

Question 1

Definition of robbery

Answer 1

Theft with force of the threat of force (S.8 Theft Act 1968).

Question 2

Theft

Answer 2

There must be a completed theft before there can be a robbery. (Robinson). If any element of theft is missing then no theft so no robbery (Corcoran & Anderson).

Question 3

Force

Answer 3

The jury decide if the acts by D constitute force, using the ordinary meaning of the words (Dawson & James ‘merest nudge is enough). Force includes wrenching a bag from a person’s hand (Clouden).

Question 4

Seek to out a person in fear of force

Answer 4

Doesn’t matter if the V isn’t frightened (B&R v DPP). Doesn’t matter if the threat isn’t what a V perceives, fingers in jacket pretending gun (Bentham)

Question 5

Force, or threat, must be immediately before or at the time of theft

Answer 5

For robbery, appropriation is a continuing act (Hale) so force does not have to occur at the exact time the property is taken (Lockley). Force before theft to enable theft to take place will probably be held to be force at the time of theft.

Question 6

Force, or threat, must be in order to steal

Answer 6

The force must be in order to steal. Force used for another purpose does not become robbery if D later decides to steal.

Question 7

Force, or threat, can be on any person

Answer 7

The force can be against any person, does not need to be against the victim of robbery.