The farmer, dressed in smart blazer and floral tie, remained impassive as the verdicts and sentences were given. However, there were screams of joy and a number of Barras's family members broke down in tears when the jury foreman announced the verdicts. Police officers quickly moved in to quieten the court. Mr Justice Owen told him there was only one sentence he pass. The law says we can use reasonable force because burglary is a crime and householders have the right to defend themselves.
People have the right to use that reasonable force and it can have tragic results.
The police are a waste of time. During the course of this trial, many comments have been made about rural policing issues. Some of those remarks have touched upon the work of my officers in west Norfolk. In an ideal world I would have all the resources I need. However, we police in the real world and have to make do with what we have.