Click the case name for better results:

Regina v Smith (Wallace Duncan) (No 1): CACD 13 Nov 1995

In the offence of fraudulent trading, ‘creditors’ are those to whom money was owed, including future creditors, not just those who can presently sue. Deceptions practised in UK, but having their effect abroad are prosecutable here. The only feature of the circumstances which had occurred outside England was the transfer of funds to the bank’s … Continue reading Regina v Smith (Wallace Duncan) (No 1): CACD 13 Nov 1995

Tesco Supermarkets Ltd v Nattrass: HL 31 Mar 1971

Identification of Company’s Directing Mind In a prosecution under the 1968 Act, the court discussed how to identify the directing mind and will of a company, and whether employees remained liable when proper instructions had been given to those in charge of a local store. Held: ‘In the expression ‘act or default’ in section 23 … Continue reading Tesco Supermarkets Ltd v Nattrass: HL 31 Mar 1971

Reid, Regina v: CACD 13 Mar 2018

Appeal from confiscation order, asking ‘What is the correct approach to calculating benefit in a remortgage case in which the defendant acquires property legitimately by means of untainted funds and subsequently obtains a fraudulently-induced loan/remortgage if, by the time of the confiscation hearing, the defendant has (a) repaid the lender or (b) undertaken to repay … Continue reading Reid, Regina v: CACD 13 Mar 2018

Regina v Webbe etc: CACD 13 Jun 2001

The court issued new guidelines for sentencing offenders for offences of handling stolen goods in the light of advice from the Sentencing Advisory Panel. The court should take into account many factors including, advance knowledge of the theft, and if known about, the seriousness of that offence, the willingness to receive the proceeds of the … Continue reading Regina v Webbe etc: CACD 13 Jun 2001

Regina v Khan (Attorney-General’s Reference No 7 of 2000); Same v Saunders (AG Ref 10 of 2000); Same v Paul (AG Ref 9 of 2000); Same v Wakelin (AG Ref 8 of 2000): CACD 15 Jun 2000

Robbery committed on public transport, against young persons, will lead to a custodial sentence, save in wholly exceptional circumstances. There is a need to provide deterrence, for what has become a common crime. Sentences of between twelve and eighteen months were imposed. Citations: Times 15-Jun-2000 Statutes: Theft Act 1968 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: … Continue reading Regina v Khan (Attorney-General’s Reference No 7 of 2000); Same v Saunders (AG Ref 10 of 2000); Same v Paul (AG Ref 9 of 2000); Same v Wakelin (AG Ref 8 of 2000): CACD 15 Jun 2000

Osinuga v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 26 Nov 1997

False information which was provided in a Housing Benefit application form would be used in accounting and constitutes false accounting. Citations: Times 26-Nov-1997, 162 JP 120, 30 HLR 853, [1998] Crim LR 216 Statutes: Theft Act 1968 817 Cited by: Cited – Regina v Lancaster CACD 2-Mar-2010 Whether Ommission Significant on Benefits Claim The defendant … Continue reading Osinuga v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 26 Nov 1997

Gandhi Tandoori Restaurant v Customs and Excise Commissioners: VDT 1989

The court considered the use of R v Ghosh when considering whether dishonesty had been established under section 13 of the 1983 Act, saying: ‘It is to be observed that in section 13(1) the first requirement for liability to a penalty is that the taxpayer shall have done, or refrained from doing, something ‘for the … Continue reading Gandhi Tandoori Restaurant v Customs and Excise Commissioners: VDT 1989

Hudson v Crown Prosecution Service: Admn 28 Apr 2017

Appeal by way of case stated from the decision of the Birmingham Magistrates’ determining that the building in question was a ‘dwelling’ for the purposes of s.9(3)(a) of the 1968 Act. Judges: Gross LJ, Ouseley J Citations: [2017] EWHC 841 (Admin), [2017] WLR(D) 309 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Theft Act 1968 9(3)(a) Jurisdiction: England and … Continue reading Hudson v Crown Prosecution Service: Admn 28 Apr 2017

Regina v Governor of Pentonville Prison, Ex Parte Osman: QBD 30 Mar 1988

The applicant had been committed to prison pending extradition proceedings brought by Hong Kong alleging substantial fraud. He challenged the committal on the grounds that since the allegations involved transmission of funds over international borders, if he had committed the acts alleged in the UK an offence would not have been committed, since the funds … Continue reading Regina v Governor of Pentonville Prison, Ex Parte Osman: QBD 30 Mar 1988

DFT v TFD: QBD 27 Sep 2010

The court heard an application for an injunction to restrain publication of material relating to the claimant’s private and sexual life. Held: An injunction restraining publication and identification, but not an order restraining publication of the order itself was made. Sharp J said: ‘[Counsel for the Claimant] submits that looking at the matter from the … Continue reading DFT v TFD: QBD 27 Sep 2010

AMM v HXW: QBD 7 Oct 2010

The claimant had sought and been granted an injunction to prevent the defendant publicising matters which had passed between them and which were he said private. Held: The jurisdiction to grant such injunctions was now established. Publication would cause damage to the claimant’s private life, damages would not be an adequate remedy, and the defendant … Continue reading AMM v HXW: QBD 7 Oct 2010

Reclaiming Motion In Petition of Scott Davidson for Judicial Review of A Decision To Continue To Detain the Prisoner In Inhuman and Degrading Prison C: SCS 18 Dec 2001

A prisoner sought an order for his removal from a prison found to have a regime which breached his human rights. The Crown replied that an order could not be made under s21 of the 1947 Act. Held: The prisoner had followed through his rights to petition the governor. Had he done so and failed, … Continue reading Reclaiming Motion In Petition of Scott Davidson for Judicial Review of A Decision To Continue To Detain the Prisoner In Inhuman and Degrading Prison C: SCS 18 Dec 2001

Regina v Philippou: CA 1989

The defendants were sole directors and shareholders of their company. They appealed a conviction of theft from the company. Held: The convictions stood. ‘Appropriates’ is to be given its ordinary English meaning, namely, ‘takes as one’s own or to oneself’. (1989) 89 Cr App R 290, Times 06-Apr-1989 Theft Act 1968 England and Wales Citing: … Continue reading Regina v Philippou: CA 1989

Dobson v General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation Plc: CA 1989

The plaintiff sought to claim under his household insurance. He sold some jewelry, accepting a building society cheque which turned out later to be stolen. He argued that his loss was ‘loss or damage caused by theft’ The insurer argued that there was no theft. Held: The buyer had usurped the plaintiff’s rights in the … Continue reading Dobson v General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation Plc: CA 1989

Volcafe Ltd and Others v Compania Sud Americana De Vapores Sa: SC 5 Dec 2018

The claimant appellants, arranged shipment of bagged Colombian green coffee beans, stowed in 20 unventilated 20-foot containers from Panama to Rotterdam, Hamburg or Bremerhaven for on carriage to Bremen. The bill of lading for each consignment covered the entire carriage. Such beans were commonly carried in either ventilated or unventilated containers. Unventilated containers were specified … Continue reading Volcafe Ltd and Others v Compania Sud Americana De Vapores Sa: SC 5 Dec 2018

British Road Services Ltd v Arthur V Crutchley and Co Ltd (No 1): CA 1968

There was a theft from a warehouse of a valuable lorry load of high value, namely, whisky. It was held on appeal that the defendants’ system of protection was not adequate in relation to the special risks involved and the value of the chattel bailed, and that even though they had contracted with competent third … Continue reading British Road Services Ltd v Arthur V Crutchley and Co Ltd (No 1): CA 1968

Hely-Hutchinson v Brayhead Ltd: 1968

Directors are required to disclose their interests in contracts with the company: ”It is not contended that [the] section in itself affects the contract. The section merely creates a statutory duty of disclosure and imposes a fine for non-compliance. But it has to be read in conjunction with article [85]. The first sentence of that … Continue reading Hely-Hutchinson v Brayhead Ltd: 1968

Lawrence v Metropolitan Police Commissioner: HL 30 Jun 1971

The defendant, a taxi driver, had without objection on the part of an Italian student asked for a fare of andpound;6 for a journey for which the correct lawful fare was 10s 6d. The taxi driver was convicted of theft. On appeal the main contention was that the student had consented to pay the fare. … Continue reading Lawrence v Metropolitan Police Commissioner: HL 30 Jun 1971

Regina v Kansal (2): HL 29 Nov 2001

The prosecutor had lead and relied at trial on evidence obtained by compulsory questioning under the 1986 Act. Held: In doing so the prosecutor was acting to give effect to section 433. The decision in Lambert to disallow retrospective effect of Human Rights decisions in appeal cases may have been incorrect, but will be followed. … Continue reading Regina v Kansal (2): HL 29 Nov 2001

Stocznia Gdynia Sa v Gearbulk Holdings Ltd: CA 13 Feb 2009

Orders were placed for the construction of ships. They were not delivered. The buyer, the defendant, cancelled the orders. The defendants sought the loss of profit. The claimants said they were entitled only to the repayment of instalments. The arbitrator found in favour of the purchaser. The yard appealed successfully. The purchaser now appealed in … Continue reading Stocznia Gdynia Sa v Gearbulk Holdings Ltd: CA 13 Feb 2009

Home Office v Hariette Harman: HL 11 Feb 1982

The defendant had permitted a journalist to see documents revealed to her as in her capacity as a solicitor in the course of proceedings. Held: The documents were disclosed under an obligation to use them for the instant case only. That rule was imposed because ‘Discovery constitutes a very serious invasion of the privacy and … Continue reading Home Office v Hariette Harman: HL 11 Feb 1982

Haughton v Smith, On Appeal From Regina v Smith (Roger): HL 21 Nov 1973

The defendant appealed against his conviction for attempting to handle stolen goods. They were to be delivered to him in a van, but the meat was intercepted and recovered by the police. The defendant argued that he should not be convicted of attempting the impossible, since the goods were no longer stolen, having returned to … Continue reading Haughton v Smith, On Appeal From Regina v Smith (Roger): HL 21 Nov 1973

Howard Smith Limited v Ampol Petroleum Limited: PC 14 Feb 1974

(New South Wales) The court considered the use by directors of their fiduciary power of allotment of shares for a different purpose than that for which it was granted, and so as to dilute the voting power of the majority shareholding of issued shares. Lord Wilberforce said: ‘Having ascertained, on a fair view, the nature … Continue reading Howard Smith Limited v Ampol Petroleum Limited: PC 14 Feb 1974

Clingham (formerly C (a minor)) v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Regina v Crown Court at Manchester Ex parte McCann and Others: HL 17 Oct 2002

The applicants had been made subject of anti-social behaviour orders. They challenged the basis upon which the orders had been made. Held: The orders had no identifiable consequences which would make the process a criminal one. Civil standards of evidence therefore applied, and hearsay evidence was admissible. Nevertheless, the test as to whether it was … Continue reading Clingham (formerly C (a minor)) v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Regina v Crown Court at Manchester Ex parte McCann and Others: HL 17 Oct 2002

Al Rawi and Others v The Security Service and Others: QBD 18 Nov 2009

The claimants sought damages from the defendants saying that they had been held and ill treated at various detention centres by foreign authorities, but with the involvement of the defendants. The defendants sought to bring evidence before the court as closed material, not to be seen by the claimants. Held: The court could make such … Continue reading Al Rawi and Others v The Security Service and Others: QBD 18 Nov 2009

Regina v Inland Revenue Commissioners ex parte Rossminster Ltd: HL 13 Dec 1979

The House considered the power of an officer of the Board of Inland Revenue to seize and remove materials found on premises which a warrant obtained on application to the Common Serjeant authorised him to enter and search; but where the source of the power limited the power of seizure and removal to things ‘which … Continue reading Regina v Inland Revenue Commissioners ex parte Rossminster Ltd: HL 13 Dec 1979

Chaytor and Others, Regina v: SC 1 Dec 2010

The defendants faced trial on charges of false accounting in connection in different ways with their expenses claims whilst serving as members of the House of Commons. They appealed against rejection of their assertion that the court had no jurisdiction to try them because of parliamentary privilege. Held: The appeals were dismissed. Neither Article 9 … Continue reading Chaytor and Others, Regina v: SC 1 Dec 2010

Regina v Bonner and Others: CACD 24 Feb 1970

The appellants challenged their convictions for theft, saying that as partners in a firm they could not be convicted of theft of partnership property. Held: The appeals were allowed for the unsatisfactory and unsafe nature of the convictions on the particular evidence. However, the 1861 Act having not been repealed, and that: ‘the object of … Continue reading Regina v Bonner and Others: CACD 24 Feb 1970

Regina v Preddy; Regina v Slade; Regina v Dhillon (Conjoined Appeals): HL 10 Jul 1996

The appellants were said to have made false mortgage applications. They appealed convictions for dishonestly obtaining property by deception. Held: A chose in action created by an electronic bank transfer was not property which was capable of being ‘obtained’ by deception under the Theft Act. The transfer of funds was carried out by the debiting … Continue reading Regina v Preddy; Regina v Slade; Regina v Dhillon (Conjoined Appeals): HL 10 Jul 1996

Andrew v News Group Newspapers Ltd and Commissioner of the Police for the Metropolis: ChD 18 Mar 2011

The claimant sought unredacted disclosure of documents by the second defendant so that he could pursue an action against the first, who, he said, were thought to have intercepted his mobile phone messages, and where the second defendant had documents which he said would support his claim. The second defendant sought to argue public interest … Continue reading Andrew v News Group Newspapers Ltd and Commissioner of the Police for the Metropolis: ChD 18 Mar 2011

Regina v Lancaster: CACD 2 Mar 2010

Whether Ommission Significant on Benefits Claim The defendant appealed against his conviction for false accounting. He had been claiming council tax benefit and housing benefit, but had failed to notify the council of a change in his circumstances. Held: The appeal failed. The court considered that the phrase ‘omits a material particular’ in the section … Continue reading Regina v Lancaster: CACD 2 Mar 2010

Twinsectra Ltd v Yardley and Others: HL 21 Mar 2002

Solicitors acted in a loan, giving an undertaking as to its application. In breach of that undertaking they released it to the borrower. The appellants appealed a finding of liability as contributors to the breach. Held: ‘Money in a solicitor’s client account is held on trust. The only question is the terms of that trust.’ … Continue reading Twinsectra Ltd v Yardley and Others: HL 21 Mar 2002

Al Rawi and Others v The Security Service and Others: SC 13 Jul 2011

The claimant pursued a civil claim for damages, alleging complicity of the respondent in his torture whilst in the custody of foreign powers. The respondent sought that certain materials be available to the court alone and not to the claimant or the public under a closed material procedure. It argued that whilst the need for … Continue reading Al Rawi and Others v The Security Service and Others: SC 13 Jul 2011

Al Rawi and Others v The Security Service and Others: CA 4 May 2010

Each claimant had been captured and mistreated by the US government, and claimed the involvement in and responsibility for that mistreatment by the respondents. The court was asked whether a court in England and Wales, in the absence of statutory authority, could order a closed material procedure for part or all of the trial of … Continue reading Al Rawi and Others v The Security Service and Others: CA 4 May 2010

Gujra, Regina (on The Application of) v Crown Prosecution Service: SC 14 Nov 2012

The appellant had twice begun private prosecutions only to have them taken over by the CPS and discontinued. He complained that a change in their policy on such interventions interfered with his statutory and constitutional right to bring such a prosecution. Held: The appeal failed (Lord Mance and Lady Hale dissenting). There had indeed been … Continue reading Gujra, Regina (on The Application of) v Crown Prosecution Service: SC 14 Nov 2012

Director of Public Prosecution v Withers: HL 20 Nov 1974

The House was asked to consider whether there existed the crime of a conspiracy to commit a public mischief. Held: There was no such crime, since it was so undefined as to be unfair to any defendant. Although at common law no clear distinction was originally drawn between conspiracies to ‘cheat’ and conspiracies to ‘defraud … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecution v Withers: HL 20 Nov 1974

Science Research Council v Nasse; BL Cars Ltd (formerly Leyland Cars) v Voias: HL 1 Nov 1979

Recent statutes had given redress to anyone suffering unlawful discrimination on account of race sex or trade union activities. An employee sought discovery of documents from his employer which might reveal such discrimination. Held: The court ought not to order breach of properly given confidences unless it is necessary in the interests of justice. Lord … Continue reading Science Research Council v Nasse; BL Cars Ltd (formerly Leyland Cars) v Voias: HL 1 Nov 1979

Conway v Rimmer: HL 28 Feb 1968

Crown Privilege for Documents held by the Polie The plaintiff probationary police constable had been investigated, prosecuted and cleared of an allegation of theft. He now claimed damages for malicious prosecution, and in the course of the action, sought disclosure of five documents, but these were withheld on the ground of Crown privilege. The House … Continue reading Conway v Rimmer: HL 28 Feb 1968

Duncan v Cammell, Laird and Company Limited (Discovery): HL 27 Apr 1942

Relatives of deceased seamen claimed damages against the defendants after their husbands were lost a sea in a submarine built by the defendants. The Ministry of Defence instructed the defendants not to disclose any details of the boat’s construction, on the ground that it would be contrary to the public interest to produce them. Held: … Continue reading Duncan v Cammell, Laird and Company Limited (Discovery): HL 27 Apr 1942

Regina v Kohn: CACD 1979

An overdraft facility was property which could be the subject of a charge of theft. In the context of the presentation of a cheque, improperly presented to a bank but which the bank pays, it was a theft of a chose in action by the person who . .

Regina v Clarke: CACD 2 Apr 1996

Several people had lost large sums of mony by a fraud. The defendant had approached them offering his services as a private investigator to seek to recover their money. He pleaded guilty to one allegation of deception after an indication from the . .

Acts

1267 – 1278 – 1285 – 1297 – 1361 – 1449 – 1491 – 1533 – 1677 – 1688 – 1689 – 1700 – 1706 – 1710 – 1730 – 1737 – 1738 – 1751 – 1774 – 1792 – 1793 – 1804 – 1814 – 1819 – 1824 – 1828 – 1831 – 1832 … Continue reading Acts

Director of Public Prosecutions v Uddin: Admn 8 Jun 2006

Prosecutor’s appeal by case stated against dismissal of charge of taking vehicle without the owner’s consent. Officer’s fleeting sight of defendant who was known to him driving. Citations: [2006] EWHC 1523 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Theft Act 1968 12(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Bracegirdle v Oxley and Cobley 1947 The facts proved … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Uddin: Admn 8 Jun 2006

Browbank v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 24 Feb 2003

Appeal by case stated against conviction for theft. Operating a cash register, he had been accused of making fraudulent refunds. Held: The evidence had been sufficient to support the conviction. Judges: McCombe J Citations: [2003] EWHC 375 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Theft Act 1968 1 7 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime Updated: 27 August 2022; … Continue reading Browbank v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 24 Feb 2003

Holmes v Governor of Brixton Prison and Another: Admn 20 Aug 2004

The applicant sought his release from imprisonment where he awaited extradition to Germany. He was suspected of an offence of deception. He said there was insufficient evidence that the offence alleged would be an offence here. The alleged offence involved having misused the passwords of others, which was the deception of a machine. Held: Davies … Continue reading Holmes v Governor of Brixton Prison and Another: Admn 20 Aug 2004

Dubai Aluminium Company Limited v Salaam and Others: HL 5 Dec 2002

Partners Liable for Dishonest Act of Solicitor A solicitor had been alleged to have acted dishonestly, having assisted in a fraudulent breach of trust by drafting certain documents. Contributions to the damages were sought from his partners. Held: The acts complained of were so close to the activities which a solicitor would normally undertake, that … Continue reading Dubai Aluminium Company Limited v Salaam and Others: HL 5 Dec 2002

Steele, Whomes and Corry , Regina v: CACD 22 Feb 2006

The convictions had been referred back to the Court of Appeal in relation to various grounds, but the s.34 direction was a further ground relied on by the appellants. The Court recognised that the direction was inadequate by reference to the standards in 2006. The direction did not contain the key direction suggested to be … Continue reading Steele, Whomes and Corry , Regina v: CACD 22 Feb 2006