Update on UK law

Well, looks like somebody is at last realising that UK laws are skewed in favour of housebreakers rather than the householder. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens, the UK's most senior police officer, has said that householders should be able to use whatever force is necessary to defend themselves against intruders, even if it means killing them. And about time, too, if you ask me!

Apparently, a householder who defends his/her home and family should only be prosecuted only in "extreme circumstances" (like if there's an armed burglar in the house?) and if it can be proved that they used "gratuitous violence" (like armed burglars do?). Well, at least somebody in authority has actually SAID it, which I guess is a step in the right direction.

Said Sir John in The Daily Telegraph: "My own view is that people should be allowed to use what force is necessary and that they should be allowed to do so without any risk of prosecution."

Very commendable of Sir John, I'm sure... but why couldnt he have said this - AND done something about implementing it - earlier in his tenure instead of a month or so before he retires? Yep, that's right - he retires in February 2005. Evidently that's why he has suddenly discovered the gaping hole in the law... because now it will be up to his successor to actually do something about it.

I know, I KNOW... it's a really cynical attitude (and I'm talking about me, not Sir John) but politicians anywhere raise my hackles, I'm afraid.