Reasonable is somewhat subjective - however if you end someone's life then you do have to prove certain things, like you were using appropriate force - if you can prove you thought your life was in immediate danger. That was the problem that Tony Martin had - shooting someone who is running away is not protecting your life from immediate danger. Another case here where the victim was prosecuted but freed on appeal:- https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jan/20/appeal-court-frees-man-burglar-attack
I get that and maybe shooting someone who is running away is extreme but I wouldn't prosecute for that. Maybe I'm over simplifying things, but don't break into someone's home.
I'm sure he won't be charged. I hope the other lovely person who drove off & left his mate dying is found & charged, banged up & has a nasty accident in the showers in the nick. I think everyone with a brain is in favour of the "reasonable force" defence. Parliament could grow a pair & define what that is though. Coppers are not lawyers, so they have to take a suspect in I guess. Feel sorry for the real victim, the 78 year old.
https://thesecretbarrister.com/2018/04/05/bashing-burglars-and-the-law-of-self-defence/ Interesting article.
A good summary of the law in this matter, including the wrecking ball effects that Grayling had on it in his ill-starred term as Justice Secretary. Gove spent most of his time as Justice Secretary undoing Grayling's handiwork. It was always right that the Police looked into the circumstances of this case properly.
Overall, there's not really a story. The correct decision was made on the night, and the correct decision was made in the end. He's just a ******.
Its actually an acronym (for reasonable response to perceived physical harm) JAPAN J - JUSTIFIED A - APPROPRIATE P - PROPORTIONATE A - AUDITABLE (MAINLY IN A PROFESSIONAL SETTING WORK INCIDENTS ETC N - NECESSARY As far as that goes it basically boils down to wether or not you could stand up in court and justify your actions to a jury of your peers. Home invasion is horrendous and I can see how anyone would stab the intruder if they could. I honestly believe nothing will happen to the old guy, but the police and the CPS need to be seen to act, whatever the circumstances.