I have read lots of articles on self defence websites and forums trying to explain the law on self defence (SD). Some are very informative others become bogged down in legislative jargon.

Lets set the record straight, you are allowed to use 'reasonable force'simple as.

Now whats reasonable? Well whats reasonable to you? As long a you are of 'reasonable firmness' thats is you have got all your marbles and dont like to go around kickng the crap out of people because it gives you a buzz well you will know how far to go. No need to quote judge such a body or Lord whoever its that simple.

For the sake of clarity and for all the thickos (im joking) lets go over a few examples. Lets say you are 6ft 7, built like Arnie and are an amatuer boxer and are in your prime, on your way home an annoying 5ft drunk in his late 50's starts verbally abusing and attacks you, your training kicks in and you jab cross and hook him he stumbles and you begin to stomp on his head, is that reasonable to the average person? probably not.

On the flip side you are a 12 year old female of average height and build with no fight training & you are attacked by the arnie look alike, who is trying to drag you away. You respond by stabbing him with nail file to facilitate your escape, in the process you seriously hurt or even kill your attacker, is that reasonable? I would say so as long as you can prove that there was no premeditation. Now you can argue to high heaven about all those people who got sent to jail fo protecting themselves or thier loved ones from an intruder.

The important thing to remember is not so much you physical response to an un provoked attack but your 'INTENTION'. If you stand up in court or tell the Police that you had every intention of beating the snot out of the guy attacking you or your loved one because 'HE DESERVED IT' well that shows that you intended to go beyond reasonable force which will land you in trouble and were not i fear o your safety or that of your loved one. Do what is necessary to stop the attack but thats it if your aggressor is down and out leave it, dont add a kick while hes out cold on the floor, because now YOU become the criminal.