Robbery is Defined under s8 Theft Act 1968. Actus reus of robbery is the stealing/theft and force or threat of force.

Theft must be completed for robbery to exist along with use of force or threat of force. Case of Robinson 1977 - The defendant was missing mens rea of theft therefore robbery could not be completed.

The amount of force doesn’t need to be extreme or of a high amount. Case of – Dawson and James 1976 - The defendant nudged the victim and the jury decided that it was enough for use of the force. Threat can be done on any person. The person who was threatened does not have to be the one from the theft occurs. The force has to be used immediately before or at the time of stealing. Case of – Hale 1979 - The defendant tied up the householder before they left the house after stealing. Even though they stole the items already, the force was used for the robbery purpose. Case of – Lockley 1995 - The defendant was shoplifting cans of beer. He used force on the shopkeeper who tried to stop him. The force must be used in order to steal. If it wasn’t then the theft cannot become robbery. For example D argues with V and punches him, knocking him out, he sees that some money has fallen out and takes it. Not guilty of robbery, but theft and assault.

The defendant Must have mens rea for theft as well as the intention to use force to steal.