Posted on 08/11/2007 2:30:46 PM PDT by John Semmens
A British homeowner was arrested after a burglar fell 30 feet from the balcony of his apartment and later died in the hospital. Police say that "following an exchange of words," the 43-year-old intruder, whose name was withheld to protect his privacy, smashed through a fourth-floor window in an attempt to escape after being confronted by the homeowner, Patrick Walsh, aged 56.
Walsh was subsequently arrested for “assault causing serious bodily harm.” If convicted he could face a life sentence.
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Police said that even though the common person might assume that the homeowner is the victim, the law says otherwise. “It’s quire simple, really,” said Sgt. Bobby Nimrod. “The so-called intruder was peaceably engaged in his profession when he was angrily accosted by Mr. Walsh. Frightened the burglar tried to run and, unfortunately, fell to his death.”
The police sergeant said that the fact that burglary is a criminal act didn’t overcome Walsh’s civic duty to retreat. “People may think ‘I’m in my own home, surely I have the right to protect myself and my property,’” Nimrod went on. “But this is mistaken. Protecting persons and property is the police’s job. Homeowners are required to exit the premises, if they can, and call the police.”
To assure that they comply with the law, in the event of a break-in, homeowners are advised to contact the police and be put on a waiting list for a house-call. “We normally can offer same-day service for most house-call requests,” Nimrod said. “There is no need for anyone to take any action to confront a suspected criminal at any time.”
Even though Walsh never touched the fleeing burglar, he is still up for the assault charge. “People think assault means that you’ve hit someone,” Nimrod explained. “Under the law, the mere threat of harm is the assault offense. That the intruder hastily jumped through an upper floor window is pretty conclusive evidence that Mr. Walsh was perceived as a threat. If he had touched the intruder, we would’ve had to add a ‘battery’ charge.”
In addition to a possible prison sentence, Walsh may also face civil liabilities from his victim’s family and the police union, which has filed a complaint alleging that Walsh engaged in “unlicensed and unauthorized” use of intimidation. “Intimidating suspects is the police’s job,” said Robert Barron, spokesman for the union. “Mr. Walsh has poached on our prerogatives. He must be made to pay.”
read more...
http://www.azconservative.org/Semmens1.htm
The Brits are fast becoming looney.
This could be a Python skit!!
Satire.
This is a joke. Right!
1775 = 1776...fat fingers...
Mother O’Mercy, I could almost believe this is not satire.
Yeah it is sad news. He should really be given a medal.
It’s a semi-joke.
The events are true. I supplied the dialog.
This is AZ Conservative very subtle satire. But is is essentially the truth.
“Nimrod”
That’s too good to be true.
Nice Satire.
“..the 43-year-old intruder, whose name was withheld to protect his privacy, smashed through a fourth-floor window in an attempt to escape after being confronted by the homeowner..”
The intruder should have tried it in Texas so that he would not have had to make that painful fall. A .45ACP is so much more merciful.
Actually the revolution began in 1775, so you were right the first time.
Unfortunately this is 100% true , the British police very often arrest an assault victim and charge him but the attacker is released . This country has gone insane , immigrants are given priority over native citizens ; that is what you get with a Socialist government .
What the hell? Breaking the law is now a profession?!!!
That’s too good to be true.
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Don’t bet on it!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1878293/posts
This is a joke right ?
How is a sincere criminal, trying hard, going to get ahead in his profession if his victim fails to cooperate?
Almost all crime depends on the cooperation of the victim.
If the victim refuses his assigned role, the criminal is placed at a disadvantage, one so severe that it usually takes an understanding and compassionate judge to set right.
LAZARUS LONG
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