The quote from the father in the story was a tad misleading. They weren't ever charged. They were in custody for questioning. The reports were sent to the CPS and they were released without charge. I don't know what that has to do with the mood of the prosecutor, but it's clear that the investigation found they were justified in defending themselves and so they were released. Are you suggesting that the cops shouldn't have done a thorough investigation and just taken the couples' word for what happened?
A quote from the article: "The couple arrested for opening fire on intruders who targeted their isolated cottage will not face charges, the Crown Prosecution Service announced last night.
Andy and Tracey Ferrie had been held on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after dialling 999 to report that they had discharged a shotgun when a four-man gang broke in to their home in the middle of the night.
The couple spent almost three days and nights in custody until they were released on bail late on Tuesday night."
The fact that they spent three days in jail until the prosecuter said to release them, indicates that they could have just as easily been charged and prosecuted . . . because it took the prosecuter three days to decide not to prosecute them. Do I feel the cops should not have investigated? No - and don't think my original comment indicated that.
They were in their own home, people broke in, and they defended themselves. In West Virginia, the cops would come, take my statement, and I'd go back to bed while the bad guys would go to the hospital, the jail, or the morgue, as appropriate.
If, later, the cops discovered I had lied in my statement, or if they uncovered addional info - like it was a drug deal that went bad, they would come looking for me. But they would not treat a man who defended his home from home invaders as a criminal . . . and putting someone in jail for three days - not just the shooter, but his wife - is treating someone like a criminal.
I am still glad I live in West Virginia, when it comes to self defense with a gun.
