Conspiracies

Conspiracy to defraud is not specifically defined in any current Act of Parliament; rather, it is a common law offence. This offence involves an agreement between two or more individuals to dishonestly deprive someone of their property or something they would normally be entitled to, or to deceive someone into acting against a duty they owe to their employers or clients.

Actions constituting conspiracy to defraud may include activities like renting premises and taking other steps to establish a factitious business. Even if these actions, on their own, may not be illegal, if they contribute to a plan where customers are defrauded of money, individuals involved could still face charges of conspiracy.

Conspiracy to murder is a distinct offence outlined in the Criminal Law Act 1977, whereby two or more individuals agree to take the life of another person. One can face charges of conspiracy to murder even if the actual killing never occurs, as mere agreement to the act is enough, given that it was the intended outcome.

Furthermore, individuals can be charged with conspiracy to murder even if they do not directly participate or intend to participate in the crime. For example, agreeing to supply a weapon or providing transportation to the location where the murder is planned can result in charges.

Conspiracy to murder is a distinct offence outlined in the Criminal Law Act 1977, whereby two or more individuals agree to take the life of another person. One can face charges of conspiracy to murder even if the actual killing never occurs, as mere agreement to the act is enough, given that it was the intended outcome.

Furthermore, individuals can be charged with conspiracy to murder even if they do not directly participate or intend to participate in the crime. For example, agreeing to supply a weapon or providing transportation to the location where the murder is planned can result in charges.

Conspiracy to commit theft essentially involves planning or participating in a scheme to unlawfully take someone else’s property. This can encompass a range of activities beyond the actual act of stealing. For instance, if you provide tools or resources to aid in the theft, or if you transport the thief or the stolen items, you could be charged with conspiracy to commit theft.

It’s important to understand that even if you didn’t directly participate in the theft itself, but were involved in planning or facilitating it in any way, you could still be held accountable for conspiracy to commit theft. This is because the law recognizes that individuals who collaborate in such schemes are equally culpable, regardless of their specific role in the actual theft.

Certainly, robbery is a serious offence that involves stealing from someone through the use of force or the threat of force. And just like with theft, conspiracy to commit robbery charges can be laid if individuals conspire or plan together to carry out a robbery, even if not all of them directly participate in the act itself.

Supplying a weapon or a face mask to the robber, driving them to or from the location where the robbery is planned, or engaging in any other actions that contribute to the robbery scheme can potentially lead to conspiracy charges.

It’s essential to recognise that the law considers the planning and facilitation of such criminal acts to be just as punishable as the act itself. Therefore, even if someone doesn’t physically partake in the robbery but aids or encourages it in any way, they could still face serious legal consequences for conspiracy to commit robbery.          

Burglary involves an offender entering a building or part of a building without permission to steal, inflict Grievous Bodily Harm or commit unlawful damage. Conspiracy to commit burglary, therefore, is where two or more people are accused of working together to plan a course of action that involves burglary.

Actions that could see you charged with conspiracy to commit burglary could include supplying materials for use in a burglary, providing transportation and handling stolen goods taken during a burglary.

Conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm entails the planning by two or more individuals to assault someone with the intention of causing them serious injury. Importantly, those accused of this offence need not have directly participated in the physical attack to face charges.

Various actions could be construed as contributing to a conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. These include instructing others to carry out the assault, providing transportation to or from the location where the attack is planned or executed, and supplying weapons or other items intended for use in the attack.

It’s crucial to understand that the law holds individuals accountable not only for their direct involvement in criminal acts but also for their participation in the planning and facilitation of those acts. Therefore, even those who don’t physically carry out the assault but are involved in the planning or provision of resources for it can be charged with conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.

Conspiring with another to pervert the course of justice is a serious criminal offence. This can encompass various actions, such as soliciting someone to fabricate or destroy evidence, or to intimidate or threaten individuals involved in a case, including witnesses, jurors, or judges.

Importantly, the agreed-upon actions don’t necessarily need to be carried out for charges of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice to be filed. The mere act of making the agreement itself constitutes a criminal offense. This underscores the severity with which the legal system views any attempts to undermine the integrity of justice proceedings.

It’s crucial to understand the gravity of participating in such conspiracies, as they not only obstruct justice but also erode public trust in the legal system. Therefore, individuals involved in any aspect of such schemes can face significant legal consequences, regardless of whether the planned actions are executed.