• streetlights@lemmy.world
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      2 years ago

      You may be surprised to learn that pepper spray or varieties thereof are classified as firearms in the UK under section 5 of the 1968 act and possession of such has a sentence of upto 10 years.

      • Anticorp@lemmy.world
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        2 years ago

        That’s crazy! You can buy pepper or bear spray over the counter here. No special anything required. 10 years for a non lethal form of self defense that causes no permanent harm seems ridiculously excessive.

        Edit: you guys can’t carry pocket knives either. Right?

        • streetlights@lemmy.world
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          2 years ago

          You can carry a folding blade if its 3" or less. Anything else must have a reasonable explanation e.g. I am chef commuting to work.

          • Anticorp@lemmy.world
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            2 years ago

            Oh, at least that’s a reasonable regulation for the knives. I had heard that no pocket knives were allowed. What’s the justification for the pepper spray?

              • Anticorp@lemmy.world
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                2 years ago

                Pepper spray is useful for self defense though, and doesn’t cause any permanent harm. Is punching someone who is robbing you also illegal?