Seems its not just Canada that suffers from the, ‘When seconds count the police are just minutes away’ Syndrome.
Daily Mail:
- Andy Ferrie, 35, and his wife Tracey, 43, have been arrested on suspicion of GBH
- Couple had been burgled multiple times and were hoping to start a new life in Australia
- Police received 999 call from homeowner Mr Ferrie, who allegedly opened fire on intruders at the isolated cottage in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
- Four men have been detained on suspicion of aggravated burglary
By Vanessa Allen and Rebecca Seales
PUBLISHED: 09:13 EST, 2 September 2012 | UPDATED: 11:02 EST, 3 September 2012
Supporter: Alan Duncan MP said the couple should have a right to defend their property
A government minister has issued an impassioned defence of two of his constituents, saying they should not be prosecuted for shooting two suspected burglars who allegedly broke into their remote farm cottage.
International Development Minister Alan Duncan, who is MP for Rutland and Melton, spoke out in support of homeowners Andy Ferrie, 35, and his wife Tracey, 43.
The couple were arrested in the early hours of Sunday after they were disturbed by the break-in at their home in the Welby area of Leicestershire, near Melton Mowbray.
They are presently being questioned by Leicestershire Police on suspicion of GBH.
It is understood Mr Ferrie grabbed a legally-owned shotgun and fired at two of the four intruders before calling the police himself.
Minister Mr Duncan said the Ferries should not face charges for defending their home.
‘If this is a straightforward case of someone using a shotgun to defend themselves against burglars in the dead of night, then I would hope that the police will prosecute the burglars and not my constituents,’ he said.
In a rational world they would be told “good job” given back their guns are return home, in today’s world they will probably end up in the pen.
they were arrested, not charged.
being arrested only confers on the individual the duty to attend a police station as required to facilitate further inquiries and therefor places the individual under some police control.
it is no big deal in its self.
i understand they have now been bailed.
two of the burglars have been arrested and charged.
A case In Australia of a 82 year old who had his house broken into grabbed a double barrel and gave the 18 year old intruder both of them he was arrested but then let off after he pleaded self defence and protecting his property, turns out the old bloke was a champion clay pidgeon shooter.
The man is a hero for standing up for his rights.
I still say they shouldn’t have been arrested.
The coppers agreed with what the old bloke did, but had to follow procedures otherwise the scum suckers out there would be crying in their bibs
the couple are to be released without charge after the CPS decided they had acted reasonably.
Why is their procedure to immidetly arrest people, in the states they investigate before the arrest, not after.