Self Defence Sprays - Criminal
Identifier Sprays - Are They Legal?
We all know
that UK laws are totally different from USA laws, especially self defense
products. Note the spelling defense was intentional, the US way. CS
Gas, Mace, Pepper Sprays and other self-defense sprays are not legal
in the UK. They are offensive weapons and there is no reason for you
to carry them on your person.
If you were
to ask a UK police officer; "Are there any legal self defence products
that I can buy?".
You are likely to be told, "The only fully legal self-defence
product at the moment is a rape alarm. There are other self defence
products which claim to be legal (non toxic sprays). However until a
case is brought before the court we cannot say that they are legal.
"
That is isn't to say that if you purchase a self defence spray such
as Dyejet for example, you will be clamped in irons. Obvious illegal
self defence items are High voltage electric 'stun guns', Pepper sprays,
CS gas canisters and other self defence sprays, High-powered air rifles,
Martial Arts weapons such as Death stars and Swordsticks, Knives that
have a concealed blade or a sharp point such as Belt buckle blades.
The makers of self defence sprays such as Dyejet, StoppaRed and Xmarker
are probably eagerly awaiting a legal outcome where a judge rules that
owning a non-toxic self-defence sprays are perfectly legal.
Manufacturers of Dyejet have geared their product to be 'overt', you
wear it like a badge. It would be very difficult for anyone to deem
it as a concealed weapon.
Dyejet is an atomiser type canister, each containing a unique DNA registered
to the holder. When sprayed upon a person it marks the attacker with
a blue dye and the unique DNA that can be traced back to the owner.
It has no toxic chemicals.
Dyejettheoffender website claims "it is quite legal to own
or use a dyejettheoffender. It is not an offensive weapon. Dyejet the
offender, is a defence apparatus adapted to be carried on the person
for use in the event of personal attack at the owner's discretion"
Criminal Identifier spray Stoppa Red UV is a pocket sized canister
that expels a thick, slimy red 'goo' that sticks to an attacker. It
contains UV dyes, which can identify them days later.
X-Marker sprays an attacker with a thick, bright blue foam. This
blocks their eyesight temporarily giving you enough time to get away.
The attacker is stained blue for up to three days, aiding identification.
X-Marker makers say this: Section 5(1) (b) of the Firearms Act 1968
prohibits any weapon or whatever description designed or adapted for
the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing. Thus, because
X-Marker doesn't contain any substances, a court in this country may
consider noxious and the can itself is not designed to discharge a noxious
substance, it is not prohibited by section 5(1) (b) and does not come
under the control of the firearms legislation. It is important to remember
that X-Marker is fully legal when used as a self defence product. It
must not be used in any other way as this may result in criminal or
civil proceedings.
