Sabre defense ID spray.
Discussion
CharlesElliott said:
I can't see anything that would define it as an 'offensive weapon', so I struggle to see how it would be illegal as is. Maybe it could be used in a way that is illegal....
But in that case it would be akin to stabbing someone with your car keys, which is usually legal for self defense. It sounds like you could make them drink it and they'd be ok.
But you can't tell a cop they're wrong, especially one you're related to

The product in itself is completely legal. to buy and own. It's the use of said product that could break other laws.
E.G. If you use it to cause harm to an individual by spraying in the yes for example then it could possibly be classed as an offensive weapon if that was you intention
If however you're using it purely to identifying an offender then completely legal. Yes it would cause criminal damage but you have a defence for this... Not that a criminal damage charge would ever come from legitimate use mind.
E.G. If you use it to cause harm to an individual by spraying in the yes for example then it could possibly be classed as an offensive weapon if that was you intention
If however you're using it purely to identifying an offender then completely legal. Yes it would cause criminal damage but you have a defence for this... Not that a criminal damage charge would ever come from legitimate use mind.
'Askthepolice' have a take on these sprays that seems reasonable if not definitive...
https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q589.htm
https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q589.htm
Theres a big difference between defending yourself in the event of an attack, with something that just happens to come to hand e.g. car keys, umbrella etc, and actually going out equipped with something to defend yourself with.
Itll all depend on individual circumstances as to whether or not the Police consider you commit an offence by carrying or using the spray.
Itll all depend on individual circumstances as to whether or not the Police consider you commit an offence by carrying or using the spray.
Bigends said:
Theres a big difference between defending yourself in the event of an attack, with something that just happens to come to hand e.g. car keys, umbrella etc, and actually going out equipped with something to defend yourself with.
Itll all depend on individual circumstances as to whether or not the Police consider you commit an offence by carrying or using the spray.
What would the offense be if the item can't cause any harm? Itll all depend on individual circumstances as to whether or not the Police consider you commit an offence by carrying or using the spray.
ChocolateFrog said:
Bigends said:
Theres a big difference between defending yourself in the event of an attack, with something that just happens to come to hand e.g. car keys, umbrella etc, and actually going out equipped with something to defend yourself with.
Itll all depend on individual circumstances as to whether or not the Police consider you commit an offence by carrying or using the spray.
What would the offense be if the item can't cause any harm? Itll all depend on individual circumstances as to whether or not the Police consider you commit an offence by carrying or using the spray.
sociopath said:
Dont ever ask a copper for an opinion, they just go with the consensus from their equally wrong colleagues.
^This. Whilst I appreciate our police, for the most part, do their best to enforce the law and be doing what's 'right', unfortunately the complexities of law and the limited minimum training police undergo before hitting the streets means their responses are often as accurate as that of average Joe. Just remember that often what makes something unlawful is the way in which something is utilised, rather than owning of something e.g. It's perfectly legal to own and use bleach for household purposes, as soon as you go throwing it on someone it suddenly becomes assault with an offensive weapon (Bleach qualifies under being an 'Acide of corrosive substance').
J1990 said:
sociopath said:
Dont ever ask a copper for an opinion, they just go with the consensus from their equally wrong colleagues.
^This. Whilst I appreciate our police, for the most part, do their best to enforce the law and be doing what's 'right', unfortunately the complexities of law and the limited minimum training police undergo before hitting the streets means their responses are often as accurate as that of average Joe. Just remember that often what makes something unlawful is the way in which something is utilised, rather than owning of something e.g. It's perfectly legal to own and use bleach for household purposes, as soon as you go throwing it on someone it suddenly becomes assault with an offensive weapon (Bleach qualifies under being an 'Acide of corrosive substance').
Its not a self defence item but a criminal marker spray. If you tried to spray it in their eyes that would be a different matter.
But even then, if you are under attack you can legitimately spray someone with hair spray or deoderant that you just happened to have on you as long as it was reasonable and proportionate for the situation. Some chavvy lad giving you verbal, probably unreasonable to spray it in his eyes, some muggy little
trying to rob you, much more likely to be considered reasonable.
But even then, if you are under attack you can legitimately spray someone with hair spray or deoderant that you just happened to have on you as long as it was reasonable and proportionate for the situation. Some chavvy lad giving you verbal, probably unreasonable to spray it in his eyes, some muggy little
trying to rob you, much more likely to be considered reasonable. Forums | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff


