R v Campbell [1991] 1 WLR 290

Court: Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)

Facts: D, armed with an imitation firearm and a threatening note, was found near a post office but did not enter. D convicted of attempted robbery of a post office

Held: Conviction quashed. The court found that D’s actions were merely preparatory and did not amount to an attempt to rob. This suggests that D must have at least entered the post office to have been guilty of attempt.

Key Judicial Statement: Lord Justice Dillon remarked, "Being in close proximity to the crime and having the means does not alone constitute an attempt; further actions are needed to demonstrate a clear intention to commit the crime."