1986 Ed.]
Theft
[CAP. 210
3
CHAPTER 210
THEFT
To revise the law as to theft and similar or associated offences, and in connexion therewith to make provision as to criminal proceedings by one party to a marriage against the other; and for other purposes connected therewith.
Originally
21 of 1970.
13 of 1974. 45 of 1980. 46 of 1986.
[1 September 1970.]
L.N. 124/70.
PRELIMINARY
1. (1) This Ordinance may be cited as the Theft Ordinance.
(2) Save as otherwise provided by this Ordinance, this Ordinance shall have effect only in relation to offences wholly or partly committed on or after the commencement thereof.
2. (1) A person commits theft if he dishonestly appropriates property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it; and "thief" and "steal" shall be construed accordingly.
(2) It is immaterial whether the appropriation is made with a view to gain, or is made for the thief's own benefit.
(3) Sections 3 to 7 shall have effect as regards the interpretation and operation of this section (and except as otherwise provided by this Ordinance shall apply only for purposes of this section).
3. (1) A person's appropriation of property belonging to another is not to be regarded as dishonest--
(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) (except where the property came to him as trustee or personal representative) if he appropriates the property in the belief that the person to whom the property belongs cannot be discovered by taking reasonable steps.
(2) A person's appropriation of property belonging to another may be dishonest notwithstanding that he is willing to pay for the property.
4. (1) Any assumption by a person of the rights of an owner amounts to an appropriation, and this includes, where he has come by the property (innocently or not) without stealing it, any later assumption of a right to it by keeping or dealing with it as owner.
Short title and application.
1968, c. 60, s. 35(1).
Basic definition of theft.
1968, c. 60, s. 1.
"Dishonestly".
1968, c. 60, s. 2.
"Appropriates".
1968, c. 60, s. 3.