Terrence Dickson

Terrence Dickson, burglar locked up

Facts of the case

• In 1981, Terrence Dickson broke into the garage of James and Beverly Sanders, a couple residing in Bristol.

• Trapped inside for eight days due to a faulty door and with the owners on vacation, he claims he was unable to escape.

Dickson sues the homeowners for negligence in maintaining the door and the manufacturer for design defect.

He argues that the door malfunction could have been avoided.

Evidence was presented to prove the door's defectiveness.

Lawyers debated the liability of the homeowners and the manufacturer.

Did the homeowners have a duty of care towards Terrence Dickson as a visitor to their property, obliging them to ensure his safety and well-being, particularly by properly maintaining the garage door?

Was the garage door manufacturer legally responsible for the damages suffered by Terrence Dickson due to a design or manufacturing defect in the door, and was this defect the direct cause of his extended imprisonment in the garage?

Reasoning

The court evaluated :

• The duty of care,
• Homeowners' negligence,
• Causation,
• Damages suffered by Dickson.

Separate opinions

The homeowners were found responsible, but the manufacturer was acquitted due to insufficient evidence

Decisions

The door manufacturing company was acquitted, while the homeowners were ordered to pay $500,000 in damages to Dickson.

Analysis

• The cases underscore the complexity of legal issues, depending on the evidence and legal arguments presented. • The divergent outcomes highlight the importance of meticulous analysis of facts and applicable laws.

• The Terrence Dickson case underscores the legal principles of civil liability and protection of individual rights.