Property defence bill a ‘licence to kill’

A MOVE by Tánaiste Michael McDowell to give householders the right to defend their homes with violence was last night branded a “licence to kill burglars” by civil liberty campaigners.

The new proposals would remove the current requirement on occupiers to retreat in the face of a criminal trespasser before using force and make it harder for intruders to sue over injuries inflicted on them.

Mr McDowell insisted the Criminal Law (Defence of Life and Property) Bill would re-balance the justice system in the householder’s favour.