The Missing Lincoln
R v Shea (2011)
Charge: Extortion (s. 346(1.1)(a)) and forcible confinement (s. 279(2)) Court: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal Province: Nova Scotia Heard on GUILTY or NOT?: 1 November 2026
The facts
The Accused's Lincoln was taken from his home. He suspected the Complainant had taken it or had it taken. The next day the Accused and a friend went to the Complainant's apartment, knowing the car was not there, intending to force him to reveal where it was. They were inside for about half an hour. The Accused told the Complainant's brother, in effect, that he had the Complainant right there, and the Complainant was held until the car came back. His movements were restricted and he directed his brother to return the car. In a recorded statement the Complainant said the men were 'strapped', meaning armed. Police later found a sawed-off shotgun near the side steps, a shotgun shell inside, and knives nearby. There was evidence of threats of violence. The Complainant had a swollen lip, the friend had an injured knuckle, and the friend's own recorded words suggested he had knocked the Complainant unconscious. The car was returned that evening. Is this extortion?
You have the facts the court had. Did the Crown prove it beyond a reasonable doubt? Render your verdict in the game, then see what the court actually decided — and why.
Citation: R v Shea, 2011 NSCA 107
Read the full decision at decisions.courts.ns.ca. The source reveals the outcome.