Self defence. Illegal in the U.K

Agu Bu Oji · (#1 (**permalink**))

We have no constitution, no basic human right to defend ourselves at all. Pepper spray, perfect against knife wielding teens and man children of the same maturity is considered an offensive weapon and carries a five year prison sentence.

Wrote to the Met police the other day as I was in a bit of a situation earlier this week and a friend of mine had to face off with some dumb kid with a knife.. asked them about self defense, whats legal and what isn't and didn't get a reply, doing a search now for Pepper spray and it turns out its illegal, batons are also illegal anything deemed, ''offensive'' carries a five year sentence even though Pepper spray dosen't cause any damage what so ever.

That is messed up. It is and should be a human right to be able to defend yourself using any force deemed necessary at that given time and also polite for the Met police to reply to inquires in the same way as it is for the BBC when making a complaint.

Only thing you can carry is some poxy dye that marks the criminal for identification, doesn't stop the criminal, it just gives them a red hue, probably be fashionable in a few years time like A.s.b.o's and pointless if they have the same features as many of us do.

Bullet and stab proof vests are legal though, perfect for criminals lacking in good hand to eye coordination, excuse the pun.

Stoppa Ltd StoppaRed Self Defence Marker Spray

Backatya · (#2 (**permalink**))

Couldn't agree with you more Black Lion.

Faced with a 'clear and imminent threat to life/limb one's instinct (well mine anyway) is to do whatever it takes to escape without damage. In some cases that could mean getting the hell out of there (my first option) as quickly as possible (run-away-and-live-to-run-away-another-day). In some situations there may be no way out and it is a case of fighting tooth and nail.
In the latter situation I am not thinking about what I can do LEGALLY because as I see it I am fighting for my life and that is something that demands I do whatever is necessary.

I think it is totally ridiculous that the law does not view it like that and I could in fact end up getting punished to the degree (or even more) my attacker would have (assuming they find him of course) had he succeeded in battering me to a pulp. So what are my options? Several months in traction (or permanently maimed or killed) versus a possible prison sentence and a criminal record. And for what? All because some mofo deemed that he wanted to beat down my ass for no other reason than he felt like it?

Nah, they have to review this whole thing. I think it should be perfectly legal to carry pepper spray, say. Sure, have very strict penalties for anyone who uses it in an OFFENSIVE rather than DEFENSIVE way, but if anything it would have some deterrent effect on those cowardly criminals who think they can pick on some seemingly defenseless individual with little risk to their own wellbeing.

Respect

saint sage · (#3 (**permalink**))

i have two cement filled metal pipes under my bed.... i'll be damned if i put my safety or that of my family in the hands of the police force.... as long as you can get away with it alls fair... i.e. make sure there are no witnesses and it's the criminals word against yours....

Agu Bu Oji · (#4 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Nah, they have to review this whole thing. I think it should be perfectly legal to carry pepper spray, say. Sure, have very strict penalties for anyone who uses it in an OFFENSIVE rather than DEFENSIVE way, but if anything it would have some deterrent effect on those cowardly criminals who think they can pick on some seemingly defenseless individual with little risk to their own wellbeing.

Respect

Was actually surprised, shocked that its illegal classed as a, 'section five offensive weapon'. Worrying as I don't think it about criminals or wrongful use its about disarming the public under the guise of protecting people from themselves as usual. Its legal in this country for certain people (farmers and the upper class living in the countryside) to purchase firearms but you have to apply for a license, theres no reason why people shouldn't be allowed to carry Pepper spray or have them sold with licenses so they're traceable to an owner or something.

People complain about gun laws in America, obviously problems with it but I think its a basic human right to be able to own a weapon for self protection, against the state or otherwise.

x_Lullaby_x · (#5 (**permalink**))

I carry hairspray in my handbag and a metal afro comb....don't use either of these things for their true purpose, but I am not going to be raped/robbed/killed or maybe all three by some diseased crackhead without a fight.

MarcusGarveyLives · (#6 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Lion

We have no constitution, no basic human right to defend ourselves at all ...

That is messed up. It is and should be a human right to be able to defend yourself using any force deemed necessary at that given time ...

Click here, read what it says and then tell us whether "self defence" is "illegal" in the UK ...

Agu Bu Oji · (#7 (**permalink**))

Yeah thanks MGL, wasn't aware of the, ''Disarming Britain season'' on Channel 4 either, surprised you missed a chance to berate me on that one.