attempts law

• Actus reus


  An act which is more than merely preparatory to the commission of the offence
• Mens rea


  With intent to commit an offence
• Attempted crimes


  • R v Gullefer (1990) - Charged with attempted theft
  • R v Jones (1990) - Charged with attempted murder
  • R v Campbell (1990) - Charged with attempted robbery
• Mens rea requirements for attempt

  • Intent to commit an offence
  • Intention to commit the central act is required, this means that mens rea of the attempt exceeds that of the standard crime
• Attempted murder


  • R v Whybrow - Intention to cause GBH by electrocution was sufficient to convict him on attempted murder
• Murder


  Intention to kill or cause GBH (R v Vickers), mandatory life sentence
• Attempted murder


  Intention to kill ONLY (R v Gotts)