Robbery

• What is the actus reus of S.8 robbery?

  • Completed Theft
  • Uses force or threat of force
  • Used immediately before or at the time of the theft
  • On any person
• What does it mean for a theft to be complete for robbery? 

  All the elements of theft must be present and if one is missing there is no robbery. 
• What cases can be used for a completed theft for robbery?

  R v Zerei: D and another approached the V and told him they were taking his car and pulled out a knife. They took his keys and drove to but abandoned it not far away with no damage. CoA said there was no intent to permanently deprive

  R v Waters: D took phone from the V and said she can have it back, There was no theft because there was no intent to permanently deprive

  Corcoran v Anderson: The D tugged at the V’s bag and she let it go and it hit the ground. The D ran off without it. When force is used to steal, as soon as theft is complete it is robbery
• What cases can be used for force for robbery?

  R v Dawson and James: D’s pushed V and took his wallet. CoA decided force doesn’t have to be violent it can just be minimal

  R v Clouden: Using force on the basket was effectively using force on the victim as it was wrenched from her hands

  P v DPP:  D snatched a cigarette from the V’s hands without touching the V. There was no force used
• What case can be used for threatened force for robbery?

  B and R v DPP:  The V was a teenager snd 5 other teenagers stopped him and pushed him around and asked for his money and phone. D’s appealed their conviction as said the D wasn’t frightened as didn’t use serious force.  The V doesn’t have to be scared, only the D has to have sought to cause fear.
• What cases can be used for force immediately before or at the time of the theft for robbery?

  R v Hale: The D’s entered the V’s house. One put his mouth over the V and the other went to steal a jewellery box. Before leaving they tied the V up. Force was immediately used when hand was put over her mouth and also when tying her up as the theft was still continuing. 

  R v Lockley: D was caught shoplifting cans of beet and force was used on the shopkeeper who tried to stop him from leaving. Courts stated appropriation is a continuing act and it is for the jury to decide when the force is used and whether before robbery is complete
• What does on any person mean for robbery?

  The person threatened doesn’t have to be the V of the robbery 
• What is the mens rea of S.8 Robbery?

  • Has to have the mens rea for theft
  • Intended to use force to steal