The UK is a very dangerous country these days. If the woman had made the mistake of defending herself, she would be facing jail.
This crime happened in Washtington, DC's Georgetown neighborhood. There too it would not be surprising if someone, especially a man, were brought up on charges of defending oneself against thugs. DC has gun control.
Perhaps some confusion here. Mr. Senitt was from the UK but he was doing his master's degree studies in Washington DC. The murder occurred in Georgetown, a toney upscale district in the city.
Read the article!