Tories propose law change to protect victims of burglary

Householders who use force to protect themselves against burglars will receive more protection from the law under government plans being announced by Justice Secretary Chris Grayling today.

The change in the law would promise added protection for high profile Greater Manchester cases such as those of Vincent Cooke, Peter Flanagan and Cecil Coley who all stabbed intruders when confronted in their own homes. 

In his first Tory party conference speech as Justice Secretary, Mr Grayling set out proposals that would protect householders from prosecution if they overreact when faced with a burglar, even if it is in a way that may seem disproportionate.

Mr Grayling said that only if the reaction of the homeowners is “grossly disproportionate” will the law stop supporting the homeowners.

When asked about the difference between “disproportionate” and “grossly disproportionate”, he said: “If you react in way that in the cold light of day might seem over the top, the law will still be on your side.”

The Prime Minister has supported the new government plans. David Cameron told Daybreak: “We should be less concerned about the rights of the burglar and more concerned about the rights of home owners and families.”

However not everyone believes the new plans are positive. One human rights barrister has already tweeted after the new plans were unveiled: “There is no confusion about the law re protecting your home from burglars, just an opportunity for new Ministers to posture.”

Alexander Clackson