IN response to 'Where's the Justice?' (Friday, October 30). The outcome of shopkeeper Mr Patel protecting himself after what must have been a terrible ordeal, makes me wonder if the general public could make claims against the police, as they, too, are now carrying CS canisters to protect themselves against violent law breakers.

Would the outcome have been the same if it had been the female co-owner of the shop being threatened?

I am sure if I am wrong I will be corrected , but I thought a person could protect their property, providing they use a lesser weapon than that of the attacker?

Mrs S Sharples,

Chorley New Road, Lostock, Bolton.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.