Bridges v Hawkesworth (1851) 21 LJ QB 75

The claimant found a package that had been dropped in the defendant’s shop. He handed it to the defendant who opened it and discovered it contained bank notes. The claimant left it with the defendant to return to the true owner if they returned to collect it. After three years no one had claimed the money and the defendant could not trace the true owner. The claimant asked the defendant to return the money to him. The defendant refused so the claimant brought an action seeking the return of the money.

Held:

The claimant was entitled to the return of the money.

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