exbluejob
LE
A businessman who attacked two thieves caught red-handed in a night-time raid was arrested after defending his property, a court has heard.
Andrew Woodhouse, 44, was today on trial facing assault charges on the two raiders he found stealing diesel from his business.
A jury heard how Woodhouse grabbed a fence post one was carrying as a weapon - and used it to fight back against them.
But the court was told it was Woodhouse who was then arrested and accused of using excessive force.
The thieves ended up with £75 fines - but businessman Woodhouse could face a prison sentence if he is found guilty of attacking them.
Defence lawyer Andrew Taylor said: 'These thieves thought they would have nice easy pickings that night.
'Many people would have given up and just claimed on their insurance but Mr Woodhouse is made of sterner stuff.
'He showed stoicism, courage and fitness to chase them. One of the men was armed and went to attack him. He acted in lawful self-defence.
'He agrees the red mist came down which you can understand when his business has almost been wiped out by crime.
'If it hadn’t been for him these men would not have been caught. Where are we in society when a person cannot act in self-defence to protect his property. That is what Mr Woodhouse was doing.'
Good drills I thought Although I'm not sure how plod can expect the assualt charge to stick given that there were two attackers. Anyway time to check the POL on the outrage bus for Daily Wail readers.
Businessman on trial accused of using unreasonable force on thieves raiding his property | Mail Online
Andrew Woodhouse, 44, was today on trial facing assault charges on the two raiders he found stealing diesel from his business.
A jury heard how Woodhouse grabbed a fence post one was carrying as a weapon - and used it to fight back against them.
But the court was told it was Woodhouse who was then arrested and accused of using excessive force.
The thieves ended up with £75 fines - but businessman Woodhouse could face a prison sentence if he is found guilty of attacking them.
Defence lawyer Andrew Taylor said: 'These thieves thought they would have nice easy pickings that night.
'Many people would have given up and just claimed on their insurance but Mr Woodhouse is made of sterner stuff.
'He showed stoicism, courage and fitness to chase them. One of the men was armed and went to attack him. He acted in lawful self-defence.
'He agrees the red mist came down which you can understand when his business has almost been wiped out by crime.
'If it hadn’t been for him these men would not have been caught. Where are we in society when a person cannot act in self-defence to protect his property. That is what Mr Woodhouse was doing.'
Good drills I thought Although I'm not sure how plod can expect the assualt charge to stick given that there were two attackers. Anyway time to check the POL on the outrage bus for Daily Wail readers.
Businessman on trial accused of using unreasonable force on thieves raiding his property | Mail Online