law case notes
Why R v Vickers is important
In R v Vickers, the Court confirmed that an intention to cause grievous bodily harm is sufficient as the mens rea for murder.
Facts
Vickers broke into a premises in order to steal money. During the break-in, Vickers came across the victim who resided in the flat above the shop. The defendant attacked the victim, who subsequently died from her injuries.
Conviction at Issue
Vickers was convicted of murder on the basis that he intended to cause grievous bodily harm. He appealed this conviction, arguing that an intent to cause grievous bodily harm was not sufficient to satisfy the mens rea of murder.
Issue facing the Court
Whether an intent to cause grievous bodily harm is sufficient to form the mens rea for murder.
Outcome
The Court of Criminal Appeal rejected the defendant’s appeal and upheld his conviction for murder.
The court stated that an intent to cause grievous bodily harm was sufficient as the mens rea for murder. This is because the infliction of the grievous bodily harm was the direct cause of death.
law case notes
Why R v Vickers is important
