Preliminary Attempts

R v White

Put poison in mothers drink with the intention of killing her. Mother died from an unrelated heart attack. Not liable for her death but for the attempt.

Attorney-Generals reference (No 1 of 1992)

Dragged a girl to a shed with the intention of raping her but he could'n’t perform. He was guilty of the attempt, he need not reach the point of no return.

R v Gullefer

D jumped onto a racetrack to stop a race so it was void and he could get his bet back. He hadn’t embarked on the crime proper.

R v Cambell

Loitering outside a post office, discovered and had a gun and a note. Convicted and appealed attempted robbery. His actions were only preparatory.

R v Geddes

D was found in school toilets with a knife, rope and masking tape. Had mens rea but made no contact with students. Actions were only preparatory.

R v Boyle and Boyle

Standing by a door of which the lock and hinge were broken. Conviction for burglary were held as trying to gain entry was an attempt.

R v Jones

D’s partner ended their relationship. D bought a shotgun and shortened the barrel. Was found with the visor down and pointed the gun but the victim grabbed it and threw it. Once he pointed the gun it was more than merely preparatory.

Easom

D picked up a woman’s handbag in a cinema then put it back. No evidence that he intended to permanently deprive.

Husseyn

Defendants seen by a van then ran away when approached. Their conviction to steal was quashed.

Attorney-Generals Referance Nos 1 and 2

If a D has conditional intent they could be charged with an attempt.

R v Whybrow

Wired up his wifes bath and caused her an electric shock. Convicted of attempted murder. Intention to kill is sufficient MR.

Anderton v Ryan

Bought a cheap video recorder thinking it was stolen, conviction quashed as her acts were innocent.

R v Shivpuri

Agreed to recieve a suitcase with drugs in it but it was actually snuff. Convicted of attempting to deal with drugs.

R v Jones

Tried to solicit young girls for sex, thought one was 12. Was convicted of attempting the impossible.