Home Office v Dorset Yacht Co [1970] AC 1004

Written By Nicolas Heyes

Court: House of Lords 

Basic Facts: Borstal officers failed to supervise young offenders who then damaged a yacht. The yacht owners sued the Home Office for negligence. 

Issue for the Court: Can the Home Office be held liable for the negligence of its officers, which led to damage caused by third parties (the young offenders)? 

Held: The Home Office was held liable as the officers had a duty to supervise the young offenders, and their failure to do so led directly to the damage. 

Key Issues: 

  • Liability for Third-Party Actions: Established that a public authority can be liable for failing to prevent damage caused by third parties if they had a duty to control or supervise those parties. 

Nicolas Heyes
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