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Householders who knife burglars will not be prosecuted

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13957587

Quote:

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has said a householder who knifes a burglar will not have committed a criminal offence under plans to clarify the law on self-defence in England.

He told the BBC people were entitled to use "whatever force necessary" to protect themselves and their homes.

The government is to place people's right to defend their property, long present in common law, in statute.

David Cameron recently said the issue should be put "beyond doubt".

Under the terms of the 2008 Criminal Justice and Immigration Act, homeowners who use "reasonable force" to protect themselves against intruders should not be prosecuted, providing they use no more force than is absolutely necessary.

But Mr Clarke said there was "constant doubt" about the issue and people's rights would be made "much clearer" in legislation on sentencing currently before Parliament and due to be debated by MPs later on Wednesday.

"It's quite obvious that people are entitled to use whatever force is necessary to protect themselves and their homes," he said.

Asked about what this would mean in practice, he said: "If an old lady finds she's got an 18 year old burgling her house and she picks up a kitchen knife and sticks it in him she has not committed a criminal offence and we will make that clear."

He added: "We will make it quite clear you can hit the burglar with the poker if he's in the house and you have a perfect defence when you do so."

Mr Clarke said legal protection would not extend to anyone shooting a burglar in the back when they were fleeing or "getting their friends together to beat them up".

"We all know what we mean when we say a person has an absolute right to defend themselves and their home and reasonable force.

"Nobody should prosecute and nobody should ever convict anybody whose takes those steps."

Blimey, things you can do at home - thief-sticking and burglar-bashing ..... :amazed:

I think if someone breaks in to your home they are fair game. I hope if - God forbid - someone breaks into my house I'd be angry enough to do them some serious damage.

How nice of Mr Clarke to clarify the situation, however will believe his words when i have seen them in action.

Pontificating on a situation involving an OAP and an 18 year burglar doesnt not amend the law. Nor does it allow a 30 year to stab a burglar.

There is a long road between talking out for publicity and getting the law actually changed.

The risk is that those who wield a weapon may find it turned against them ..... :eek:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omah (Post 4339561)

The risk is that those who wield a weapon may find it turned against them ..... :eek:

That could happen anyways tbf.

I doubt many burglars work without weapons...just makes it fairer now.

I still think the majority would just hide under the bed sheets until they left though, but its good to know the option is there without fear of being locked up(though people who would defend their home...I doubt they would mind about being locked up at that specific time, I know I wouldnt)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicky. (Post 4339564)

:idc:

Some years ago, after ! was burgled twice, I was advised by the police to avoid confrontation with a possible intruder :suspect: - most burglars don't want to get caught, so merely making a noise may frighten them off :hmph: - otherwise, lock yourself in a secure room and call the police - I guess that now we may have option 3, the number of burglars found with a complete set of kitchen knives in their lifeless body will rocket ..... :evilgrin:

(Note pointless use of new emoticons ..... :joker:)

Ohhh theyve been added :D

The problem is though, this could go one of two ways. It could deter burglars...for fear of being attacked. Or it could make them come 'better prepared'

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicky. (Post 4339593)

Ohhh theyve been added :D

The problem is though, this could go one of two ways. It could deter burglars...for fear of being attacked. Or it could make them come 'better prepared'

Exactly ..... ;)

Raise a knife, they'll show you a shooter ..... :eek:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicky. (Post 4339593)

Ohhh theyve been added :D

The problem is though, this could go one of two ways. It could deter burglars...for fear of being attacked. Or it could make them come 'better prepared'

Yes but some do that, as it is.

Unless they have Real Guns
they go down.

Feel The Force.