Case citation: Roper v Knott [1898] 1 QB 868
Court: Queen’s Bench
Facts (Roper v Knott)
The defendant, D, was a milk salesman who worked for a business. D was accused of watering down the milk before selling it. The Magistrate was of the opinion that this act was fraudulent, as it increased the bulk of the milk, allowing D to sell more and thereby increase his profits.
Legal Issue
Whether D’s actions constituted malicious damage to property under the law.
Decision in Roper v Knott
The court held that D was guilty of malicious damage to property.
The court clarified that damage does not need to render the property completely useless. It is sufficient that the value of the property has been impaired. D’s actions were found to be deliberate and intentional, contributing to the court’s decision to uphold the conviction. The act of watering down the milk impaired its value, which was deemed enough to constitute damage under the law.
Conclusion
The conviction of D was upheld, establishing that any impairment of value to property can be considered damage, not necessarily requiring the property to be rendered entirely useless.
References:
- http://ndl.ethernet.edu.et/bitstream/123456789/16376/1/126.pdf
- https://www.e-lawresources.co.uk/Roper-v-Knott.php
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