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Criminal Law (Amendment) (Protection of Property) Bill

The use of force was grossly disproportionate. I am trying to get away from the physical action and into the state of mind of a man living in an isolated farmhouse in a rural area where the forces of law and order were unable to help him. Tony Martin had been burgled 10 times, and I repeat that he was driven to distraction and irrational behaviour. The hon. Gentleman must not underestimate the real fear on that front in rural areas. If the House were sensible enough to pass the Bill, which I wholeheartedly support, I hope that it would lead to less burglaries and people thinking twice before setting out to burgle a lonely farm such as Mr. Martin’s.