AN Englishman’s home is his castle – and he has every right to defend it.
We, therefore, support Justice Secretary Ken Clarke in spelling out more clearly that people may legally use “whatever force necessary” to protect themselves and their homes.
Although shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan argues that the law is already clear enough, there is unquestionably public confusion over the issue. Can you punch a burglar, stab a burglar, hit a burglar with a poker, or shoot a burglar?
It comes down to the legal argument over the definition of “reasonable force” but there is a common perception that victims of crime who fight back risk breaking the law themselves.
When Norfolk farmer Tony Martin was jailed for manslaughter for shooting dead a teenage burglar in 1999, the law ruled that he went beyond “reasonable force” by planning the assassination.
Ken Clarke is now on record as saying that a householder who sticks a knife in a burglar will not be breaking the law, and that example will be supported by clearer legislation.
We must guard against creating a nation of vigilantes who arm themselves with guns and knives in readiness for crooks invading their privacy.
But we must also appreciate the fear that comes with being confronted in the dark by an intruder who may or may not be armed – and allow people to protect themselves and their homes.
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