Oblique Intent
A form of criminal intention where the defendant did not aim to bring about a result, but the result was a virtually certain consequence of their act and they knew it was virtually certain — distinct from direct intention.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Most of the time a jury is simply told that 'intends' is an ordinary English word and left to apply it. The Judicial College's Crown Court Compendium explains that only 'in some cases... it may be necessary to give a further detailed explanation, sometimes described as "oblique" as distinct from "direct" intention', and sets out the test: 'a court or jury may find that a result is intended, though it is not D's purpose to cause it, when: (1) the result is a virtually certain consequence of that act; and (2) D knows that it is a virtually certain consequence.'
The Compendium warns judges to stick closely to this formula — 'it is advisable not to deviate from that formula by use of words such as "high probability" or "very high probability" instead of "virtual certainty"' — and to use it only sparingly: an extended direction on foresight is needed 'only in an exceptional case', typically murder, where the defendant denies having the necessary purpose. Even then, foresight of virtual certainty is only evidence from which intention may be inferred, not proof of it: 'the mere fact that the result is virtually certain in fact is not proof of intention — the inquiry into intention is one involving an assessment of D's state of mind.'
Example
A defendant who sets fire to a house to claim insurance, knowing an occupant is virtually certain to be inside and to die, may be found to have intended that death under the Woollin 'virtual certainty' test even though causing death was not their purpose.
Related terms
Official sources
This explanation is drawn from the official sources below; every substantive statement is verified against them. For advice on a specific matter, see our find help page.