Lawrence v MPC [1972] AC 626 House of Lords

An Italian man who spoke little English, arrived at Victoria Station on his first visit to this country. He got a taxi and gave the driver a piece of paper on which an address was written. The taxi driver told him it was a long way and would be expensive. On arrival at the destination the Italian, took one pound out of his wallet and gave it to the driver. The driver intimated that it was not enough and reached into his wallet and took a further six pounds out of it. The correct lawful fare for the journey was in the region of 10s. 6d.The driver was convicted of theft and appealed contending that the Italian man had consented to the appropriation of the six pounds and his conviction could not therefore stand.

Held:

His conviction for theft was upheld. An appropriation can take place notwithstanding the consent of the owner. 

Back to lecture outline on the law of theft  or consent in criminal la