Home & self defense in England

[mrclark303]

To normal law abiding people like us its simple, break into someone's property in the middle of the night and you get what's coming to you...

There is a ground swell of public support for this chap and does it serve the public interest to charge him? ... Absolutely not, looks like common sense will win out in this case and the CPS won't advance this case.

[bigduke6]

The change in the law wasn't enough in 2013, we should be able to use any force and not have to face any consequences, but I suppose it was better than nothing............ I do like Cinders idea though, it would be a modern version of when we shipped our not wanted to the other side of the globe only this time drop them as fish food.......We will have to wait till were out the EU to follow up that idea.

Must admit I do miss my old Doberman, although the softest Doberman going he was an excellent guard Dog, he had the stance and bark that most feared that is until you stroked him...... then he was a puppy again...

[Ovidio]

Here in Italy, if you defend yourself, you're immediately charged with assault, attempt murder, manslaughter or murder, depending on what happened to the other person(s).
Then, after years of hell, maybe you are acquitted of all charges, maybe not. Depends only on the judge. Similar situations have ended up in diametrically opposite ways. We even had a few cases in which the family of the killed robber has sued the defendant and been recognised a very high compensation from some foolish judge. Some robber's deaths are judged like working accidents, actually.
I'm in very big embarrassment as to how to deal with my guns in a defensive situation. If you're a quiet person, law abiding like me, being armed would probably be more dangerous than not being armed, because the assailant would see my gun and probably react as a "pro", while I'm sure I would be acting as if I had the handbrake pulled, i spite of all the training.
The other side of this tragic dilemma is that if something happened to my family, I would curse myself for the rest of my life.
A real lose-lose situation.
I wish at least the State would be on our side...

[Gil Boyd]

It really does depend on what he says in interview. If he felt his life was threatened in anyway and the force he used was proportionate to that which could have been used on him, it was justified.
It is definately not in the "public Interest" to prosecute, 1. A man of his age or 2. Prosecute for purely public gratification.
It is so easy to stand in broad daylight in a court room and pass judgement, when the conditions he faced inside his own home in the early hours must have been terrifying for him.

[CINDERS]

Even the odds 2/1 Gil he did wait till they were separated but given his age and the attackers then kudu's to him I hope this is a catalyst that aids the home owner being able to use force to protect their life and property as I have said burglars show ill intent which must be met with fire & brimstone.
My reasoning is that anyone who comes into your house uninvited loses all rites once they cross the threshold into your dwelling they are not your friend and must be subdued by any means possible because as sure as eggs they are going to give you no quarter, I like all of us here have a family to protect items can be replaced people cannot.

[Roy W]

Hither Green 'burglary death' suspect to face no action - BBC News

Homeowner faces no charges. Common sense prevails

[Ovidio]

Very glad to read it.
The poor guy already will have his own trouble to cope with what happened without his fault, but as a result of his actions.
Guess it must be tough.

[MSW2]

Over here in South Africa we can still lawfully defend ourselves with a firearm. You can get a firearms license issued specifically for self defense - normally for a handgun. You can also obtain a licence for a semi auto rifle for self defense should your circumstances so warrant (e.g. Farmers). Firearms obtained for reasons like hunting or sport or collecting can also be used. The act states that any lawful use is allowed.
An inquest docket is opened after the incident to determine what transpired. If it is found that you acted within the parameters of the law, nothing further happens. If you acted unlawfully you get charged with murder.
I am glad to see that homeowner is not facing charges. As one of the previous posts stated - common sense prevailed.

[CINDERS]

WTF? From the same article, he was a thief & a thug who obviously preyed on the elderly and infirm, got his just deserts.

In January, Mr Vincent was named and pictured by Kent Police investigating a distraction burglary on a man in his 70s.

Family and friends paid tribute to him on social media.

[Vincent]

Here your home is your Castle.

A castle doctrine, also known as a castle law or a defense of habitation law, is a legal doctrine that designates a person's abode or any legally occupied place – e.g., a vehicle or home – as a place in which that person has protections and immunities permitting one, in certain circumstances, to use force (up to and including deadly force) to defend oneself against an intruder, free from legal prosecution for the consequences of the force used.

Castle doctrine