If a person accidently kills another person in self defence in the UK

Harry R

Remember Kenneth Noye, who stabbed to death a police officer who was observing Noye from the grounds of his home, and was acquitted of murder on the grounds of self-defence. In the language of the police, he had 'form' - and was eventually jailed for being part of the Brinks Mat gold robbery, along with a road-rage killing years afterward.
Does it (still) not depend on the situation. Both situations you mention would have ample reason for the victim to be set free - perhaps even today, but as some have written, in the swift law-making habits of the current government...who's to say? As Fivetoze tells us...if you have a Michael Mansfield defending you - you'll walk.

GAVIN E

If it is proved that she acted in self defence, then there is probability of that person being acquitted.

fivetoze

well all we have to do is define reasonable force...

if johnny burglar is armed with a small weapon, im not justified in taking a 3foot pudlock bar to his worhtless carcase... (its a short length of scaffolding tube)

i can hit him, but only once... similarily i can restrain him... but i cant put a noose around the scumbags neck and tow him behind my volvo...

and if your female friend smacks an attacker with a rock as hes trying to rape her, or rob her, she will face absolutely no charge... provided she doesn take the knife off him, and stab him repeatedly, like hundreds of times.. and then go get another when it breaks...
thats frowned upon... but a good barrister would stil lget a dismissal...

fiona w

The law can't seem to define what reasonable force is, so the chances are it will be classed as manslaughter and prison is likely

zebbedee

You have to use reasonable force and it would be up to the prosecution to prove that the force used was unreasonable. You don't actually need to be attacked to lawfully take a life, but must reasonably fear for your own life.

Daniel D

are you retarded or on drugs?
ITS SELF DEFENCE

elin j

I agree with parts of what the above said, apart from the example. I don't think that has anything to do with it, I mean, if you genuinely feel you are in imminent threat and are in a vulnerable situation then you will defend yourself and use force, regardless of the attacker.

Yeah, and just a brief on Tony Martin's case, who argued self defence.. the attackers where walking away when he shot, so obviously they were not an imminent threat so he was liable.. I dunno if he pleaded diminished responsibility, I can't remember.

If the burglar is in your home then yes that is an imminent threat so you are likely to be acquitted, however, I'd imagine if the burglar was leaving your property and then you started to attack, you would be liable, maybe not murder, but definitely manslaughter.

Sky god

Pretty well answered by all. You can use reasonable force to defend yourself, loved one's, property etc, but as long as self defence does not turn into attack the courts will have to take into consideration all of the facts. The facts will be numerous. There is no point in a house owner who is 6 foot 2 inches tall, weighing 16 stone, who is a body builder, black belt in Karate, standing in court and saying, " I was frightened of the burglar" when the burglar is a 16 year old, 9 stone weakling who could not fight his way out of a paper bag....see where I am coming from. Remember the Martin case in Norfolk? Like some one said, the Noy case....each case is different, each court is different, just hope the defence QC is on the ball

buildypuss

The way the law is going in this stupid country they would be jailed|!

You have but one choice

yes she would be charged for murder

but in self defence so manslaughter charge mandatory 3 Years and she might be remanded in custody but that will go toward the total imprisonment time 1 1/2 years actual serving time

be careful

pete_monkey_hanger

I was attacked by 2 guys, i can fight and hurt them, i went to jail for 2 years!!!! piss take

tanika971

self defence, so nothing should happen, but knowing our justice system, you would probably be sent to prison.

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