2020 Question 3 — LawShortcut Independent Model Answer
Trespass to goods · Conversion · Detinue
Scenario summary
A consignment of screen protectors, phone covers and headphones arrived at Mr A's shop and sat by the back door for several days. A rival trader, Mr B, took it away. He put 1,000 screen protectors (costing €10 each) to use, sold 250 phone covers (costing €10 each) at €15 each, and held on to the headphones, which he did not sell.
In response, Mr A pulled on a balaclava, went into Mr B's premises, pointed an imitation firearm at him and waved him back into a storeroom. Mr A then locked the door from the outside. The only conceivable way out led through a skylight, across a flat roof and down a 15-foot drop. Mr B was kept shut in overnight and is now undergoing psychiatric treatment.
Candidates are asked to advise the parties on their rights and liabilities in tort.
This is a LawShortcut scenario summary written in our own words. For the exact examined wording, use the official King’s Inns paper linked above.
What this model answer covers
Issues and structure addressed in the full LawShortcut model answer:
- 1. Mr A v Mr B - interference with the goods
- 2. Mr B v Mr A - assault and false imprisonment
- 3. Defences and damages
Read the complete LawShortcut model answer to this question — reading the question, issue spotting, the applicable law, application to the facts and conclusions — inside the King’s Inns Tort Model Answer Vault.
Part of the King’s Inns Tort Model Answer Vault — 30 independently authored model answers, 2020—2025.