He Took His Own Car Back

A man left his car at a garage for repairs. The estimate was $180. The final bill came to $345. He could not pay, so the garage kept the car. That night he used a duplicate key and drove it away without permission. He said he meant to sell it to pay the bill. He was convicted of grand larceny. Larceny requires an intent to steal. He asked the judge to tell the jury that an honest belief he could take the car was a defence. The judge refused.