to think convicting this woman of theft is really harsh?

[IsabelleSE19]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-39119990

It seems like a real waste of police/court time to bring this case – surely a warning would have sufficed?

I've lost £20 before but would never think of going to the police station to ask if it's been handed in. Equally I've found £20 on a path and kept it (I was so broke that it was like a gift from heaven!). I've also left £40 in a cashpoint which was then taken, but I think that's different as the person potentially taking it could hand it in to the bank and they could check who was using the cashpoint before.

*The moral of this story is if you find any money at all make sure you take it to a police station and waste police man hours filing the paperwork for lost/found property.

If they roll their eyes, point out this case to them*

:)

Statutory definition of theft:

A person is guilty of theft if he dishonestly appropriates property belonging to another with intention to permanently deprive the other of it.

Actus reus (guilty act) of theft is:

Appropriation
Property
Belonging to another

Mens rea (guilty mind) of theft is:

Dishonesty*
Intention to permanently deprive

Verdict: Guilty

*Three exceptions to dishonesty:

(a) if he appropriates the property in the belief that he has in law the right to deprive the other of it, on behalf of himself or of a third person; or

(b) if he appropriates the property in the belief that he would have the other’s consent if the other knew of the appropriation and the circumstances of it; or

(c) if he appropriates the property in the belief that the person to whom the property belongs cannot be discovered by taking reasonable steps.

I gave the police a particular fiver which was evidence against a person who committed a crime. They never gave it back. I expect they've spent it by now.

I lost my purse on school run the other day, dropped out my bag in a rush.. A dog walker handed it into the high school. The high school went to a lot of trouble to trace me.

I am greatful to the dog walker and the school..I felt sick when I realised I had lost it but felt really warm when I knew someone who had handed it in and had much needed cash.

I've handed money in to the police before now - if it's not claimed within a certain time, they'd call you to collect it. I tried to hand a watch in quite recently though, and they just took my number, and said they'll ring me if anyone asks for it.

I think though, as Needs said, theft by finding is still an offence. I know I'd have been grateful if whoever found my ring and my phone (first lost in the street /on a bus, second left in a taxi) had been honest enough to hand them in/report finding them, so it's really "do as you would be done by" as far as I am concerned.

MoonriseKingdom

My worry if money had been accidentally deposited in my account, all moral issues aside, would be that the bank would have the right to ask for it back after I'd gone and spent it!

If I find anything lying on the street, shop floor, wherever, I'm taking it to the Police station and lodging it.

Absolutely outrageous. The woman came upon the money minutes later.

Do the Police have nothing better to do, like you know, catch real criminals. Apparently, they are full to the brim with sex offenders. It's been suggested they be let off with a caution!

Having said that I've posted an expensive leather wallet to someone who was holidaying in Ireland. I've also alerted the bank when the money just spurted out of the hole in the wall (thousands of pounds). Plus someone sent me my phone back, beach in England. However, someone else stole it again whilst abroad.