Reply to post: Re: Unfortunately... you're wrong

Photographer hassled by Port of Tyne for filming a sign on a wall

rh587

Re: Unfortunately... you're wrong

"Theft is theft, there is no time limit or extenuating circumstances such as saying that you were going to return the item eventually."

Yes, you sort of do. With theft you have to show an intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. It is the precise reason why the motoring offence of "Taking Without Owner's Consent" exists - because it became difficult to prosecute a joyrider for theft when they claimed they intended to return the car once they'd had a drive around - so they made it an offence to take the car in the first place.

In this case, go for Common Assault - use of unlawful force. The Mall Cops had no authority to harass him going about his lawful business on a public highway, nor to prevent him leaving the scene or seizing his property.

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