I think the current legal criteria in the UK of using only 'reasonable' or 'proportional' force to defend oneself in these circumstance force is open to interpretation. In the heat of the moment and given a very real immediate threat to ones life from an intruder clearly intending to act violently who's to say what 'reasonable' force amounts to? However an intruder making their escape after a burglary where no one was physically threatened or hurt, does not come into this definition of real immediate threat i would think.

I would caution anyone in the USA getting their information on this or any other UK story from the Dail Mail whos coverage often qualifies for frequent satirical comment here.
Some years ago the this intensely right wing 'newspaper' ran a concerted campaign to free a man jailed for killing a fleeing burglar with a shot to the back as he ran from his property.

It's the kind of newspaper that tries to find easy solutions for complex problems and appeals to those looking for scapegoats for the worlds ills.
Its view on public spending and social programs is similarly to the right of Atilla the Hun, labelling the poorest and most vulnerable in society as a rabid feckless underclass, undeserving drain on public expenses.

For many here, the Daily Mail is a newpaper in very much the same sense as Fox News is a fair and unbiased purveyor of quality journalism or Anne Coulter is a sane commentator on American culture and politics.

Regards

Alan

Last edited by alan S.; 12/20/09 05:45 PM.