R v Ahlers

Facts

Ahlers, the German consul in Sunderland, helped German nationals to return home after war was declared in 1914. He was charged with intending to assist the enemy.

Issue

Did he intend to assist the enemy, or to perform his duty as consul?

Held

He was held to have intended to do his duty as consul.

Principle

The intention that matters is the purpose with which the accused acted, not every consequence he could be said to have brought about.

Why it matters

Read it with Steane when a statute uses the word intent.

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