Top cop makes a point about killer blades

The Sunday Sun ^ | Jul 9 2006 | Phil Doherty

[DustyMoment]

The philosophy of wealth redistribution demands a defenseless population or to quote New York's upChuckie Schemer - a society where only the police and military are armed.

Scary thought, isn't it?

[from occupied ga]

Is this really true or is it an urban legend?

Bernard Goetz in NY. I remember reading that some American tourist woman was given a stiff fine for pulling a penknife on some yuts who were threatening her a couple of years ago

[TC Rider]

And yet, Lawn Darts, the assualt weapon of pointy thrown things, are still readily available in the UK.

[TChris]

...If you ask chefs how many times they need to use pointed knives they'll tell you they don't need them at all.

I'm not even a chef, and I know that's a load of crap.

[TC Rider]

Lawn darts! Don't forget the Lawn Darts!

[Ghengis]

E.A. Sykes and W.E. Fairbairn are rolling in their graves about right now.

[sully777]

What an odd sense of humor...my kind of Freeper!

[Tennessee_Bob]

That's a mighty wide belt she's wearing - but it doesn't look like it's done her any good - her pants already fell off!

[Canard]

""victims who defend themselves against an attacker can be jailed for defending themselves."

Is this really true or is it an urban legend?

It seems hard to believe that if someone comes after you with a knife that you could be in trouble for fighting back."

It's certainly an exageration. If you fought back against an attacker and, at some point, a jury decided that the force you used was disproportionate, then you could be found guilty of a crime. This is the guidelines used by the Criminal Prosecution Service if considering a prosecution:

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/section13/chapter_t.html

"t is important to ensure that all those acting reasonably and in good faith to defend themselves, their family, their property or in the prevention of crime or the apprehension of offenders are not prosecuted for such action."

[MortMan]

Read post 40 and 41 in sequence, then see if you're still thinking about a sharpening machine based on your post!!! ;-P

[webstersII]

"If you fought back against an attacker and, at some point, a jury decided that the force you used was disproportionate, then you could be found guilty of a crime."

Thanks for the clarification.

That sounds similar to the law in many states in the U.S. You can only use reasonable force against an attacker, i.e., you can't kill someone just because they take a swing at you. If they pull a deadly weapon on you then that's a different case and you can respond with deadly force.

Also, many states make the inside of your home a special case and will not prosecute for just about anything that you do to an intruder. But there are a number of states which require you to use no more force than necessary even in your home, and if you have the chance to retreat from the attacker then you are obligated to do so.

[Frank_2001]

"Implements" with "rounded ends" can be quite useful as well;)

[Kenton]

Even something as common as a ball point pen can be used as a weapon! I think in order to show good faith with this measure, Tony Blair should be forced to sign all important documents with a crayon!

[Kenton]

"If you fought back against an attacker and, at some point, a jury decided that the force you used was disproportionate, then you could be found guilty of a crime."

I'm thinking of that scene in "The Patriot" where Mel Gibson attacks the British column that has just killed one of his sons, burnt his house, and taken his other son off to hang.

After Mel and his two youngest sons kill the entire British patrol, one poor Red Coat tries to flee into a creek, and Mel springs on him with his tomahawk and hacks him to bloody chum.

The chopping went on for like 30 or 40 seconds. Kind of a mess...

I'm thinking that maybe that they might find something that a little on the "disproportionate" side...

[spokeshave]

"We must ban all eating utensils. And we must do it for the children's sakes."

Already happened....

Seems that most young adults in UK can't operate a knife and fork since they have spent a lifetime stuffing on pizza, burgers and fries.....none of which require dexterous use of cullinary implements.

As for peas....and other veggies....forgetaboutit.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

This is rubbish about cooks not needing a pointed knife to cook. Has anyone ever tried to cut into a rutabega?

[mollynme]

this is just lunacy.

These will be next. Lethal! LOL

[King Prout]

that ain't a skirt... that's a butt-bandeau

[GSlob]

A few years ago [on FR] there was an article about a guy in Britain who managed to kill another with a dessert spoon. I shudder to think of a mayhem he would have caused had he a heavier and sturdier tablespoon.

[metalurgist]

Pointed sticks is it? Too good for currants are you. Well let me tell you, you'll rue the day when you're attacked by a man with a peck of currants and you have no idea what to do because you wanted to learn about defending yourself pointed sticks instead.