Facts
Part of a public bridge was fenced off for spectators. The claimant was prevented from going forward along the footway, but was free to go back the way he had come.
Issue
Is a partial restraint ?
Held
There was no false imprisonment, because he could go another way.
Principle
The restraint must be total; blocking one route while leaving another reasonable exit is not imprisonment.
Why it matters
The leading case that restraint must be complete.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Bird v Jones (1845) 7 QB 742 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/bird-v-jones> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.