Facts
A soldier fired a baton round at one person during a disturbance in Northern Ireland, but it struck the claimant instead.
Issue
Is there a when force aimed at one person strikes another?
Held
It was a battery against the person actually struck.
Principle
Intention to apply force to one person can be 'transferred' to the person who is actually hit.
Why it matters
Shows that battery does not require the claimant to be the intended target.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Livingstone v Ministry of Defence (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/livingstone-v-ministry-of-defence> 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.