Lipkin Gorman v Karpnale Ltd - Case Note

The modern foundation for the restitutionary action of unjust enrichment.

Cass was a partner in the solicitors' firm Lipkin Gorman. Being an authorized signatory on the firm's trust account, Cass withdrew £220,000 and blew £154,695 of it on wine, women and cards at Karpnale's Playboy Club at 45 Park Lane, London, got found out and did a bolter to Israel.

Cass was brought back and sentenced to three years prison for theft in 1984. Lipkin Gorman sued Karpnale for return of the stolen money. At the time, gambling contracts were contrary to public policy, and therefore void under the Gaming Act 1845.