Rex v Dobbs
Rex v Dobbs (Criminal Appeal No. 247 of 1951) [1951] EACA 319 (1 January 1951)
The court held that while the prosecution was entitled to charge the appellant with both stealing by a public officer and unlawful possession of government trophies, he could not be punished twice for the same act, as this would contravene statutory law. The act of conversion (stealing) was the same act that resulted in unlawful possession, making dual punishment impermissible. The court also found that the appellant, when attempting to register the trophies, was acting as a private individual and not in his official capacity, thus the charge of false pretence was sustainable. The convictions…
Source excerpt
- Stealing By Public Officer
- Unlawful Possession Of Trophies
- False Pretence
- Double Jeopardy
- Sentencing
- Misjoinder Of Charges