Attempts

• Attempt


  A person tries to commit a crime but, for whatever reason, fails to complete it
• A person can be guilty of attempted murder if they have the direct intention to kill
• A person can be guilty of attempted murder even if they have a conditional intention</b>
• Mens rea


  The intention to complete the offence
• A person can be guilty of attempting the impossible
• Attempt

  Where a person tries to commit a crime but, for whatever reason, fails to complete it
• R v White - the D was found guilty of attempted murder as he tried to kill her but failed to do so
• Actus reus

  More than merely preparatory
• R v Jones - the CofA decided, at the point the D got into the car, he had gone beyond mere preparation
• Mens rea


  Direct intent for the principal offence
• AG Ref 1979 -conditional intent
• R v Millard and Vernon - the CofA quashed their criminal damage convictions as they had only been reckless and didnt intend criminal damage
• Mens rea for any attempted offence

  Intention to complete the offence even if the mens rea of the full offence includes recklessness
• Criminal Attempt Act 1981
• R v Taafe - the conviction for attempting the impossible was quashed as there is no such thing as an offence of importing foreign currency
• R v Shivpuri- the D was found guilty of attempting the impoosible as the HofL agreed he had gone beyond mere preparation