What is Self-Defence

[Bob906]

If my grandaughter (18) carried a Pepper-spray in her bag and HAD to use it would she be prosecuted and what else could be/suggested she carry

[beryllium]

Hi Bob906, I asked this question about legalising pepper spray.... have a read of the legalities of it...

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Q uestion263775.html

[beryllium]

sorry, I've just noticed that Ward-Minters points of law have gone so here is the Reasonable Force Laws,

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/section13/chapter_ t.html

I think pepper spray comes under firearms laws in this country...

[beryllium]

last bit for section 5 of prohibited weapons... scroll down to page 14 and read part vii)

http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-publi cations/publication/operational-policing/HO-Fi rearms-Guidance.pdf?view=Binary

[seatrout]

I think this has probably been well covered by the above but essentially if pepper spray is not a prohibited weapon (i think it is but havent looked it up) then it is certainly an offensive weapon. You could not argue that you had it for self defence.
If you were assaulted and used the spary as necessary force to defend yourself then such action could amount to self defence but the routine carrying of such an item would constitute an offence

[jake-the-peg]

She might be well advised to cosider an alarm.

Few attackers hang around when there's a siren going off at 130dB

http://www.securitydirect.co.uk/acatalog/Perso nal_Attack_Alarms.html

[redcrx]

girls carry all sorts of things in their handbags. If pepper spray is seen as a weapon then think of innocent everyday items that a woman would have in her bag that could be used if she felt in danger.
a set of keys held in her hand could accidently harm an attacker if she 'accidently' had a key protruding as she defended herself.
hairspray, something that could just be grabbed from her bag in the panic. That in the eyes stings enough to disorientate any attacker for a moment.
Im not sure of the legalities but in a situation where you feared for your safety then youd use anything to hand wouldnt you?

[Kerplunk]

You can use "reasonable force" to defend yourself. Depending on the situation this could be simply restraining the attacker but could be the use of lethal force if necessary.

So spraying an attacker with hairspray that you just happen to be carrying should be "reasonable force" as long as you feel that you, somone else or your property were in danger.

[Bob906]

Thanks to all who answered my question a lot of good info i have looked at all your answers and i think i will settle for a alarm. Thanks jake-the-peg for the link

[RATTER15]

I nearly suggested carrying a sawn off shotgun in your handbag, but you would never know what compartment or pocket you left it in and would never be able to find it in a hurry!!!