Quote Originally Posted by keithAngel View Post
Nothing wrong with chasing a burglar to make an arrest but at that point you are required to use minimum force and you can not claim self defence except in responce to what is actualy happening in the moment.

If for example you were carrying your trusty mag-light as it was dark and the arrestee attempted to use a weapon to resist you then on the principle of "instant arming" you could use the torch as a defensive weapon going equipped with a cricket bat might however allow the perp to claim self defence and you would leave yourself open to prosecution.

Reasonable force also depends on the relative differences between the parties so a small women might use a weapon against a large man wereas a large guy trying to defend against a 16 year old would have a different level that might be deemed reasonable. All escalations need to be proportionate is the key and being angry is not of its self a defence


I would go along more or less with what you say, but there was an interesting case on the 1960's when one Saturday afternoon a butcher named Bridger was going to a night save to deposit the days takings. He took with him a large knife 'to protect his money.'

He was attacked by 4 people, one of whom died as a result of the injuries inflicted by the butcher.

On the advice of the Metropolitan Police solicitors branch, New Scotland Yard, he was not charged with anything. At the subsequent coroners court a verdict of 'Justifiable homicide' was recorded.

The three surviving robbers were subsequently convicted of robbery at the Central Criminal Court.