Self Defence?
I’ve noticed this story mentioned in the past couple of days – with the usual recriminations against the forces of law and order.
Jail for ‘courageous’ Munir Hussain who beat intruder with cricket bat
It sounds typical of what we hear so often; the crim gets away with it and the householder suffers the penalty. And, frankly, who would not have sympathy for Munir Hussain?
A businessman who fought off knife-wielding thugs after his family were threatened has been jailed for 30 months.
Given the ordeal, I certainly have sympathy for him. But, but…
Hussain, 53, made an escape after throwing a coffee table and enlisted his brother Tokeer, 35, in chasing the offenders down the street in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, bringing one of them to the ground.
Now, at this point the danger to his family has passed.
What followed was described in Reading Crown Court as self-defence that went too far. Walid Salem, one of the intruders, suffered a permanent brain injury after he was struck with a cricket bat so hard that it broke into three pieces. Neighbours saw several men beating Salem with weapons, including a metal pole.
That’s why Mr Hussain was gaoled. This is not self defence and the law is perfectly clear on the matter. Had he used a metal bar while fighting off intruders, he might have got away with reasonable force. As it was, the danger had passed and it was time to hand over to the police.
So, yes, I have some sympathy, but the law is correct – just as it was with Tony Martin. While I do feel that the law should be more lenient with householders who defend their property – I certainly don’t want those householders getting away with dishing out their own version of justice after the event.
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