Ah, the peaceful utopia...

Annnnd once again we are entertained by the place where Great Britain used to be...

Although the details are light, even lighter if you look at the police website, four men decided that a rural farmstead would be a great place to conduct a burglary.  They were untroubled by the possibility that someone may be home.  After all, this is the very unarmed British Empire. 

This illusion was shattered for them by the farmer and his wife, who were for some reason unwilling to be victims.  And based on what I have read (again, not deeply detailed) they registered their unwillingness to be victims with a legally owned shotgun.  Unfortunately, this is where the laws of Not So Great Britain take over.  Although I applaud the local police for arresting the burglars, they also arrested the victims.  The victims are being charged with "suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm".  The four men intent on burglary have been charged with Burglary. 

So, for those of you playing along, the victims currently are charged with a crime (for defending themselves with a legally owned shotgun) that would see them put in prison for years (3 to 16, depending on the application of law) while the actual criminals stand to spend 6.5 months to 6 years in jail.  And, even if the victims are not found guilty, even if they are found to be justified in their actions, I guarantee that they will never be allowed to keep that shotgun (or any other firearms) for the rest of their lives. 

Don't think so?  Go ask Tracy St Clair Pearce, a 50 year old cancer patient.  When travellers set up camp nearby, they trespassed on her property, destroyed her property and threaten her life when told to leave.  The police response?  Why, you go and confiscate the shotguns owned by the victim.  The shotguns that never left the safe.  The shotguns that were never even thought to be used or mentioned in the altercation.  Those shotguns.  Even better was the statement by the top officer in that department that the police had acted correctly.  The best part was that they were considering revoking the firearms certificate.  For being victimized and calling the police, as people are instructed to do.  And the criminals?  Oh they already planned to move on and basically avoid facing the charges.  Way to go, Britain, that'll show criminals that you mean business!

This is the sad state that has befallen the once great empire.  Sad really.

Update:  Apparently, common sense does prevail, as the victims are not going to be charged.  No mention of returning the shotgun, tho...