... for the accused to be guilty not only must he/she have committed the unlawful act but also have a guilty mind, as only the blameworthy should be punished for their actions. To ascertain whether she is potentially criminally liable for any offence I would establish as to whether her actions constituted theft, deception and whether she has any defences. Under section 1 (1) of the Theft Act 1968, "a person is guilty of theft if he dishonestly appropriates property belonging to another with intention of permanently depriving the other of it." The actus reus of theft is, thus, appropriating property belonging to another and the mens rea is dishonesty and an intention to permanently deprive. I will analyse whether Vanessa has committed the offence of theft under section 1 of the theft Act 1968 and if she is liable for any other offences. The initial matter that needs to be addressed and whether or ...

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