Ratio Decidendi
Duress is not available if the defendant voluntarily associated with criminals in circumstances where he ought reasonably to have foreseen compulsion by threats of violence.
Facts
Hasan was a driver for a woman involved in prostitution. Her violent associate allegedly threatened Hasan to commit a burglary. Hasan claimed duress.
Judgment Summary
The House of Lords held that Hasan could not rely on duress because he had voluntarily associated with a violent criminal. The defence of duress must be kept within strict limits.
Key Quotes
"The defence of duress is confined within very narrow limits. It is easy to raise and very difficult to disprove."
— Lord Bingham
Subsequent Treatment
Good law
Leading modern authority on the limitations of the duress defence.