This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Vellino v Chief Constable of Greater Manchester [2002] 1 WLR 218

By Oxbridge Law TeamUpdated 04/01/2024 07:04

Judgement for the case Vellino v Chief Constable of Greater Manchester

Table Of Contents

  • Plaintiff was arrested by the police, Defendant, and injured himself by accident when trying to escape.

  • CA held that the ex turpi causa defence applied.

  • The police owed a person no duty to take reasonable care that Plaintiff did not injure himself in a foreseeable escape attempt. Plaintiff had caused himself injury while committing an illegal act. 

Stuart-Smith LJ

  • The operation of the principle ex turpi causa non oritur actio arises where the claimant's claim is founded upon his own criminal or immoral act.

  • The facts which give rise to the claim must be inextricably linked with the criminal activity. It is not sufficient if the criminal activity merely gives occasion for tortious conduct of the defendant.

  • The principle is one of public policy, not for the benefit of the defendant.

  • A crime punishable with imprisonment can generally be expected to lead to the application of the principle, and escaping from custody is sufficiently serious for the application of the maxim.

Any comments or edits about this case? Get in touch

For Further Study on Vellino v Chief Constable of Greater Manchester

Need instant answers? Our AI exam tutor is here to help.

Ask questions 🙋 Get answers 📔 It's simple 👁️👄👁️

Our AI is educated by the highest scoring students across all subjects and schools. Join hundreds of your peers today.

Get Started

Related Product Samples

These product samples contain the same concepts we cover in this case.

Claim every advantage to get a first in law
Tort Law Notes
1,070 total pages
845 purchased

Tort Law notes fully updated for recent exams at Oxford and Cambridge. ...