Munir Hussain

I have listened to numerous debates and read articles on the case. The most interesting being a Radio 4 interview with Keir Starmer, the Director of Public Prosection who advocated no change to the existing laws.

In case you have forgotten the case, Munir Hussain was jailed for 30 months for beating he gave to Waled Salem with a metal bar and a cricket bat. Salem was deemed mentally unfit to stand trial as he suffered brain damage from Munir Hussain.

Munir's family were tied up and told to lie on the floor by career criminal Waled Salem who burst into his home with 2 other masked men.

We can only guess what was going through the Hussain family's mind, while they were being held by these thugs and when Munir was able to get himself free, he took the action that he was subsequently jailed for as it was deemed as being excessive force.

I can understand why he was jailed but my thoughts are that Salem and his cohorts lost all their rights once they broke into the Hussain family home. They made it worse for themselves by tieing up the family and they were probably in absolute fear for their lives at that point and when Munir was able to get free, he took the action he did as he was one man against 3 and if he failed, it could have serious repercussions for his family as they wreak their revenge.

It was probably adrenaline that made Munir exact the punishment that he did.

I cannot say with 100% certainty that I would not do the same, in those circumstances, even though I am not a violent person. The only crime I have been a victim of was having some sweet corn stolen from my garden, that I had grown in 1986. I felt I had been personally violated, at the time. I have also had my car broken into, about 12 years ago, in Bristol.

I felt that it was odd that Munir was jailed, yet the criminal did not face court, but does face a lifetime of brain damage. I though maybe he would get a suspended sentence, but it seems that the recent changes to the law took that option away from the judge and he had to be imprisoned, instead.

I am sure if someone broke into my house, I would be scared witless, but that wont stop Randolf going for anyone who should not be on my property. Its also highly possible that I would do my utmost to protect myself and property, if Randolf hasn't made them run like hell!

Once again, the law has let down the victim and I can imagine Munir was not thinking straight, in view of the way they had been held by Salem, and feared what might happen to them.

Once again, common sense seems to be missing and Munir is not a criminal, yet we are paying for Salem's medical care, for life.

I am beginning to think criminals should lose their rights in such situations and also, their right to medical care (and state benefits) and should take out private insurance cover to pay for their care and living expenses, if state benefits are withdrawn.

If Salem had not broken into Munir's house, he would not be brain damaged, today.

I am sorry if I sound right wing, but I am not. I just feel that the victim always seems to lose out and the criminals come off lightly.