Robbery cases

Question 1

Dawson and James (1976)

Answer 1

The Ds stood around the victim and “Jostled” the V causing him to lose balance so that his wallet could easily be taken.
POL “force” is an ordinary word – it was for the jury to decide what amounted to force. In this case being nudged was enough.

Question 2

B&R v DPP (2007

Answer 2

it does not matter if the victim was in fear so long as it was Ds intention to put them in fear.

Question 3

Clouden (1987)

Answer 3

force need not be direct – in this case force was exerted on the victim’s bag.

Question 4

Bentham (2005

Answer 4

not necessary for the threat to be real so long as it is intended to cause fear.
Note the threat can be on any person – not necessarily the person from whom which the item is stolen

Question 5

Hale (1978)

Answer 5

burglars entered a house, took a jewellery box and then tied up the owners. Court decided the theft was a continuing act and therefore the force was at the time of the Theft. Also force must be linked to Theft – not for some other purpose (e.g. rape)