p. 95621. Making off without payment
- David OrmerodDavid OrmerodProfessor of Criminal Justice, University College London, Barrister, Bencher of Middle Temple, Door Tenant at Red Lion Chambers
- , and Karl LairdKarl LairdStipendiary Lecturer and Tutor in Law, St Edmund Hall, Oxford, Barrister, 6KBW College Hill
Abstract
This chapter considers the offence of making off without payment. Under s 3 of the Theft Act 1978, a person is guilty of an offence if he dishonestly makes off without making payment as required or expected and with the intent of avoiding payment of the amount due. The offence aims to deal in a simple and straightforward way with a person who having consumed a meal in a restaurant, filled the tank of a car with petrol or reached their destination in a taxi, leaves without paying. Although factually simple, difficulties arise in prosecuting such cases as theft. The chapter covers various elements including goods supplied or service done, unenforceable debts and dishonesty.
