Self Defence Sprays - Criminal Identifier Sprays - Are They Legal?

We all know that UK laws are totally different from USA laws, especially firearms and self defence products. CS Gas, Mace, Pepper Sprays and certain other self-defence sprays are not legal in the UK. They are prohibited weapons under Section 5(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968. This prohibits any weapon of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid or gas. However if the can itself is not designed to discharge a noxious substance, it could still be an offensive weapon under the prevention of crime act 1953 or a weapon of offence under the theft act 1968.

If they are deemed as offensive weapons and there is no reason for you to carry them on your person you may face prosecution.

OffenderID is a police accredited tagging system designed for use by security professionals. (Note: not for general members of the public) The proper use of redDNA™, the portable spray device is to sure that criminals can be identified even if they flee the crime scene.

A police officer would be able to list a number of legal issues relating to the possession of self defence sprays, , but here's three to consider.

1) If the spray was discharged on a person, who consequently suffers an asthma attack and dies, you could face serious assault or even manslaughter charges.

2) If the propellant damages the eyes of a person it could be deemed as a serious assault.

3) If it stains the face according to the marketing material then it's likely to stain clothing, you could face criminal damage charges or civil damage claims.

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, you will be clamped in irons. Non toxic ones may be legal to possess, but consider the implications if you use it.

Obvious illegal self defence items are High voltage electric 'stun guns', Pepper sprays, CS gas cannisters 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, 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.

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.

Caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware