Please note: The barrister's immunity point sometimes linked to this case comes from Rondel v Worsley (1969), not this case.
Facts
Borstal trainees escaped while their officers were asleep and damaged yachts moored nearby.
Issue
Did the Home Office owe a to the yacht owners for damage done by the escapees?
Held
Yes, a duty was owed.
Principle
Lord Reid: the neighbour principle should apply unless there is some or valid explanation for its exclusion.
Why it matters
Expanded duty of care to harm caused by third parties under the defendant's control.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Home Office v Dorset Yacht Co Ltd [1970] AC 1004 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/dorset-yacht-v-home-office> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.