The defendant must cause the victim to believe he can and will carry out the threat of force. R v Lamb [1967] 2 QB 981 (CA) FACTS: Two teenage boys were playing with a revolver. This had two bullets in it, neither of which was opposite the barrel. Believing that this meant the gun was safe, the defendant pointed it at his friend and pulled the trigger. His friend was shot dead. HELD: No assault had taken place, since the victim at whom the gun was pointed did not fear the possible infliction of violence because he did not believe the gun, with which they were playing, would fire.