Scottish Court of Session Decisions

The Lord President said—I cannot say that I feel much difficulty about this case. I have listened to all the points that have been urged for the defender, but they have not convinced me that he is free from liability. It would appear that the defender drew a cheque upon a bank with which he kept an account, but in which at the time he had no money, or at least none to speak of; that he put this cheque into the hands of Nisbet, not for the purpose of his taking it to the bank, but that he might get money for it where he could. Nisbet being acquainted with the pursuers, got them to cash the cheque, which, on being sent to the bankers upon whom it was drawn, was dishonoured. It appears from the proof that nothing was said to the pursuers of the nature of the cheque—as having been drawn upon a bank in which the drawer had no funds. On the contrary, it appears that Nisbet told the pursuers that the defender was a responsible party. The cheque having been dishonoured, I think it appears that the defender was made aware of this almost immediately. It also appears that the pursuers came into personal contact with Nisbet, by whom they were told that the cheque would be honoured—meaning that the defender would in due time pay the same. There is some evidence, too, that before the bankruptcy of Nisbet, there was a meeting between the pursuers and the defender at which the latter was told that payment of the cheque would require to be made. Now, is there any reason why that cheque, which the defender would have been bound to have paid had the pursuers taken it to him immediately on its being dishonoured, should not now be paid? I can see none. It is said that there has been so much delay, the defender has been unable to get payment of the cheque from Nisbet or his estate. It appears to me that after he got notice of the dishonour of the cheque, it was the defender's duty to have looked after receiving it from Nisbet. But it is still further said that this cheque has been truly paid to the pursuers by Nisbet in the arrangement of some bill transactions. I think the evidence goes to show that the amount of the bills granted by Nisbet to the pursuers was due to them altogether irrespective of the cheque. Upon the whole, therefore, I think we must give decree in favour of the pursuers.

Lords Deas and Ardmillan concurred.

Lord Curriehill absent.

Decree accordingly, in terms of the libel, with expenses.