Have You Been Accused of Robbery?

Robbery is defined in Section 8 of the Theft Act 1968.

(1) A person is guilty of robbery if he steals, and immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, he uses force on any person or puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force.

(2) A person guilty of robbery, or of an assault with intent to rob, shall on conviction on indictment be liable to imprisonment for life.

I have been accused of Robbery!

If you have been accused of Robbery, you must bear in mind that robbery is regarded as a serious criminal offense under UK law, and it’s essential to seek legal representation if you’re facing such charges as soon as possible. At Levy & Co, we specialise with assisting clients who are facing all manner of different charges. We are able to provide you with expert advice, assess the details of your situation, and guide you throughout the entire legal process. It’s important to act quickly and seek legal assistance as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

About Robbery

Under UK law, robbery is defined as stealing from someone, and immediately before or at the time of doing so, using force on any person, or putting or seeking to put them in fear of being subjected to force. This is set out under section 8 of the Theft Act 1968.

There are two key elements to robbery:

  • Theft: There must be a completed theft, meaning property is dishonestly appropriated with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of it.

  • Use or threat of force: Force must be used on a person, or the victim must be put in fear (or threatened with fear) of force, either immediately before or during the theft, and in order to carry out the theft.

It’s important to note that robbery is different from burglary. Burglary involves entering a building as a trespasser with criminal intent, whereas robbery always involves theft directly from a person with the use or threat of force.

Robbery is a serious criminal offence in the UK and carries significant penalties upon conviction. The maximum sentence for robbery is life imprisonment, though actual sentences depend on the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances.

If you’re facing robbery charges or have questions about the law, it’s essential to seek legal advice from a qualified criminal defence solicitor who can provide you with personalised guidance and representation based on your situation.

 

Levy & Co Solicitors, Specialist Criminal Defence, Paralegals, Essex based Legal Firm

Robbery Cases in the UK

To understand more about robbery, it helps to look at some important previous cases that have shaped the law:

R v Dawson and James [1976] 64 Cr App R 170
The defendants jostled a man so that his wallet could be taken by another. They argued that the level of force used was too slight to amount to robbery.
The Court of Appeal held that even minimal force, such as a push or a nudge, could be enough to constitute robbery if it assisted in the theft.

R v Clouden [1987] Crim LR 56
The defendant snatched a shopping basket from a woman’s grasp. He argued that no force had been used directly against her, only against the basket.
The Court of Appeal rejected this argument, confirming that force applied to property being held by a person is sufficient to amount to force “on any person” under the definition of robbery.

R v Robinson [1977] Crim LR 173
The defendant threatened a man with a knife in a dispute over money owed. He took £5 during the incident but claimed it was repayment of a debt.
The Court of Appeal quashed the conviction, ruling that because he believed he had a legal right to the money, there was no theft — and therefore no robbery.

R v Hale [1978] 68 Cr App R 415
Two men entered a house, stole a jewellery box, and then tied up the victim. They argued the theft was complete before the use of force.
The Court of Appeal held that theft can be seen as a “continuing act,” meaning that if force is used during or immediately after the theft to secure the stolen goods, it amounts to robbery.

R v Lockley [1995] Crim LR 656
The defendant was caught shoplifting cans of beer and used force on the shopkeeper to escape. He argued that the theft had already been completed before the force was used.
The Court of Appeal followed R v Hale, confirming that theft is a continuing act, so the use of force during escape still constituted robbery.

 

At Levy & Co, we specialize in criminal defence, with extensive experience in handling various criminal cases, including robbery. Our firm is dedicated to providing robust legal representation to individuals facing allegations of robbery or other criminal offences. With our expertise and commitment to defending our clients’ rights, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for each case we handle.

It is important to note that robbery charges can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment and a lasting impact on one’s reputation and future opportunities. Therefore, it is essential to have skilled legal representation to navigate through the complexities of the legal system and mount a strong defence.

Our team at Levy & Co understands the gravity of robbery charges and is well-versed in the nuances of criminal law. We approach each case with diligence, attention to detail, and a comprehensive understanding of our clients’ unique circumstances. No matter the charges against you, we are here to provide you with the legal support and guidance you need.

From conducting thorough investigations to crafting strategic defence strategies and representing clients in court, we are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and advocating vigorously on their behalf. At Levy & Co, we prioritize client communication, ensuring that our clients are informed and empowered throughout the legal process.

If you or someone you know is facing robbery charges, don’t hesitate to contact Levy & Co for experienced and reliable legal representation. Our team is ready to provide you with the support and advocacy you deserve during this challenging time.”

If you’ve been accused of Robbery in the UK, it’s important to take the following steps:

  • Seek Legal Advice: Contact a qualified criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer with experience in handling robbery, cases will provide you with expert advice and guidance tailored to your specific situation.

  • Understand Your Rights: Educate yourself about your legal rights and obligations. Your lawyer can explain the charges against you, the potential consequences, and your options for defence.

  • Remain Silent: Exercise your right to remain silent. Refrain from discussing the details of the case with anyone other than your lawyer. Anything you say to the police or others could be used against you in court.

  • Cooperate with Your Lawyer: Work closely with your lawyer and provide them with all relevant information and documentation related to the case. Be honest and forthcoming, as this will help your lawyer build a strong defence on your behalf.

  • Gather Evidence: If possible, gather any evidence that supports your innocence or undermines the prosecution’s case. This could include alibis, witness statements, or evidence of mistaken identity.

  • Attend Court Proceedings: Attend all court hearings as required. Your lawyer will represent you in court and advocate on your behalf, but your presence may be necessary at certain stages of the legal process.

  • Follow Legal Advice: Follow your lawyer’s advice and instructions throughout the legal proceedings. They will guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions about your case.

  • Consider Bail Conditions: If you’ve been arrested and granted bail, ensure that you comply with any bail conditions imposed by the court. Violating bail conditions can result in further legal trouble.

  • Prepare for Trial: If your case goes to trial, work closely with your lawyer to prepare your defence. Attend all trial preparation meetings and be prepared to testify if necessary.

  • Stay Calm and Patient: Facing criminal charges can be stressful and overwhelming, but it’s essential to stay calm and patient throughout the process. Trust in your legal representation and focus on cooperating with your lawyer to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact Us

If you have been accused of Robbery, we are happy to assist you in your case. Please get in contact with us using our contact form and a member of staff from Levy & Co will contact you shortly. You can also telephone us for assistance on: 01376 511819, or  07939 223575 outside of office hours in an emergency.