Beckley v Evans

Facts

After a road accident the parties agreed not to report it, contrary to section 7 of the Road Traffic Act, and that one would pay for the repairs. The question was stated for the High Court.

Issue

Was the agreement illegal, and could a party abandon it and sue on the original claim?

Held

The statute protected the public, not merely the revenue. A contract to avoid it was illegal and void. The court would not then enforce the original claim either.

Principle

A contract made to evade a statute passed for the public protection is illegal, and it taints the claim it was meant to replace.

Why it matters

It is the Sierra Leone authority for statutory illegality.

For study only. By lanbuk.com. Always check current sources and consult a qualified professional.