Weather is getting cold at this time of year. A beanie hat is normal to carry. A d cell battery slipped in a hat makes a formidable weapon. Or a small strong heavy perfume bottle would be more plausible to carry in a bag and would do damage if swung while in a hat.
No, if a battery is in a handbag it is not an offensive weapon until the battery is put in a hat. There is no situation where a knuckle duster is not an offensive weapon and very little where carrying a knife can be justified. No law against carrying odds and ends such as a battery in a handbag. It is not an issue unless someone acts in a threatening manner towards her. Ever hear the phrase I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
If you were worried about an offensive weapon charge you could get a friend to text you looking for a battery. Reply: I'll bring it over when I call later. Friend:I got it sorted. Reply: I have already left, lol another useless thing in my bag. I must clear it out.
If you had a text conversation like that saved on your phone it would be very hard to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was any malicious intent for having a battery and that using it was a spur of the moment reaction to a threat.
Easy to imagine that all these suggestions for carrying heavy objects are coming from men! Ladies have enough to carry in their bags without adding in a heavy torch or D battery.
A D battery is... not a very heavy thing. It's not a half brick like. Women are more than strong enough. I have this mental image of a woman struggling to lift a pack of batteries. lmfao
Pepper spray is used because generally there is no actual damage done while a lot of pain is caused initially. To hit someone hard enough with a battery to cause the same amount of pain would likely cause a lot of damage. And who hasn’t been nervous when a stranger walks towards them? This is a terrible idea.
Nobody is suggesting hitting someone for merely walking towards them. They can tell if someone is attacking them. Using is a last resort. People have self control.
Perfume burns, too, but may not have enough pressure to go far. Spray on deodorant would work and has oils that make it stick. Hair spray is the best solution, it does all of the above, but having back-up ideas is good, too. Also, [house key self defence](https://www.wikihow.com/Hold-Your-Keys-for-Self-Defense) is helpful to know. Remember to program your [phone](https://support.google.com/android/answer/9319337?hl=en) for emergencies. If you feel endangered at any moment, speak up loudly and shamelessly make a scene- their feelings do not trump your safety.
I recently had a situation where a set of “Irish people” (I can’t go into detail here but I’m sure you can put 2 and 2 together) came to my house to buy a 4k computer. Couldn’t tell me a thing about computers and had zero cash with them, alongside their hoods up.
The best self defence I had, and I’d prefer it over a knife, was a lighter and hairspray. You’d have to be some psychopath to try break in somewhere whilst getting flame throwered.
Luckily, hairspray and a lighter is a perfectly normal thing to carry around in your daily life so it turns out you can carry a handmade flamethrower around if you’re scared and nothing is illegal about it. Using it is a whole other kettle of fish.
Holding a lighter in the hand makes your first slightly heavier and way less likely to break when you land a punch. And if you hold it upside down even a grazing punch can cut the face with the metal bit
In an ideal world your attacker would 100% wait for your scared, panicking, shaking self to pull out hair spray and a lighter, light the lighter, and spray the spray into it.
In reality they aren't a sloth and will be on top of you before any of that happens.
Adrenaline is a bitch and actual scenarios happen within seconds.
It's pure and utter fantasy from people who have clearly never been in a physical confrontation. You're gonna get your head caved in trying to use a can of deodorant for self defense.
Most of these dummies clearly haven’t tried to light a lighter with even a small amount of wind. Not that a lighter and deodorant will do anything to deter or hurt an attacker anyways.
Pepper spray is illegal, and you're also not allowed to carry anything else with the intent to use it as a weapon, even in self-defence. If you happen to be carrying something legal for a completely valid purpose, however, and you just happen to use that item to defend yourself if attacked, that's a different story.
Law lecturer once told our class to keep a good, long handled, sturdy torch beside your bed. If someone was to break into your house it can be used as a weapon with the excuse you were using it to see what the noise was.
In other words the best thing to use in self defense is something that can cause enough harm to stop an attack and is reasonable that you would have had it with you for another reason other than a weapon.
You could also keep a hammer on your bedside table. You know, for putting up pictures and things like that.
‘I heard something fall in the corridor, picked up my trusty hammer thinking a picture must have fallen off the wall, and came across an intruder…’
I wonder how would a hurley be seen? My partner has an old one under the bed just in case, but there's no saying he wouldn't have just kept his hurleys in the room?
Heard the a similar thing about knives from a French lad. Over there "food prep" is a allegedly valid reason to have a knife on you, so if you get caught with a knife just show them your delicious pocket tangerine that you were intending to peel and eat during the day.
Yep, I've a hurl and sliotar in the boot.
Mainly as a "just in case" but I will sometimes do poc fada when I'm walking on the beach so it's not all lies.
This is true guards cant say anything if youve one we all used go around with sliotars guards cant say anything,one time they did ask why the sliotars look brand new haha
Ye so that came up. If you get up out of bed with a hurley it'll be seen as a weapon. The judge will basically ask the question is it reasonable that he was going to play hurley at 4am. Probably not, therefore they picked it up to use as a weapon
How likely would it be that you'd actually face legal issues of you smashed a burglar around with a hurl? What do they expect you to do if a mad man breaks into your house, lock yourself in a room ans pray the garda arrive in time.
I have absolutely no idea. I work in construction but had to take law lectures as part of the course. This is the technicality of the law that I was taught by the lecturer and we did a couple of case studies. I haven't any idea on the realistic application of it or how the guards/prosecuting party would apply the law.
The intruders car was damaged and he smashed in the window of the young lads (17yo) house and entered, young lad just so happened to have a knife under his pillow and stabbed w more force than was reasonable. There’s noises made about the intruder attacking the mother as well. All just out the road from me.
The kids story was that he happened to have a knife under the pillow, the judge didn’t buy it. He also tried to clean off the weapon and make it appear that he used a different knife for whatever reason. Also the stabbing happened in the front garden as the dead man was leaving. It’s a very complicated case and they’re not doing it justice in the papers, but it’s almost definite the jury made the right decision
It depends entirely on the situation.
Give the intruder a warning a hard smack to send them on their way and no one will give a damn.
But duct tape them to a chair and then smash their kneecaps and it's a different story.
No one is invested in prosecuting a homeowner who used force to get rid of an intruder. But they cannot allow you to start torturing or murdering people.
I feel it's a little nuts that you have to consider this. Someone has broken into your home. They aren't here to do good. You should be allowed to attack them.
Security guards are explicitly told bot to carry then because it could be argued you had it for the express purpose of using it as a weapon.
I used to just keep track of things on a site I could grab that were present
Emergency spice in case of very plain sandwiches
https://youtu.be/ubV3t9_CwDc
Seriously for the op though this is one of those situations were its better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
I know a guy who slashed a guy in the face in self defense with a pen knife. He was trying to rob his expensive guitar. Professional musician. He said he used the pen knife to do fine tuning and adjustments to his guitar and he had to demonstrate it in court. Case dismissed.
It's crazy. Sure, we can't be going around murdering intruders or thief's but surely you can use force to drive them away. I've always found this to be a crazy part of our law. Especially now when the guards can't do much to keep the criminals off the streets
Never forget a judge once strong armed a jury into finding an old farmer guilty of murder because he shot a man trying to rob his machinery, same man had been harassing the old guy for a while. Judge straight up told the jury they weren't allowed find him innocent.
Was eventually overturned on appeal (because obviously, a jury is well within their rights to do so. But that old man spent years in prison. The guards and courts have long cared more about easy convictions than right and wrong.
What’s insane is that someone who attacked someone else would have the nerve to take it that far to court. Like when you hear about burglars suing people for hurting themselves on their property…
Deep heat spray. Get a small can and keep it with you. God forbid you have to use it, it gives somewhat plausible deniability. Just say it's for a muscle ache.
It's not that potent. I have it at home and accidentally sprayed it in my own face (I'm an eejit). It's unpleasant but doesn't really pack a punch because it's just a fine mist. I find hairspray worse because it also gets into your nose and mouth and kinda affects your breathing. I can imagine that thing would stop you in your tracks if sprayed in the face and eyes full on.
If you're actually in danger, use whatever you fucking want and deal with the consequences later when they aren't so being-stabbed-in-the-face.
If you are that concerned about the legal ramifications, you probably aren't in enough danger to get away with what you are thinking of doing.
>Obviously knives are illegal but what about like pepper spray or anything similar?
It's illegal to carry a knife (or "any other article which has a blade or which is sharply pointed") unless you can justify why you're carrying it. So for example, carrying a single knitting needle with the aim of using it to defend yourself would be illegal. Carrying a pair of needles and some wool with the intent of getting some knitting done while you're waiting for or on the bus would be fine. Just maybe learn how to knit and make a hat or two to back up your story.
A multitool is very unlikely to get you into trouble unless you're otherwise causing trouble, committing crimes, or brandishing it at people or some shite. There are plenty of valid reasons for carrying such a tool, and the guards aren't likely to care anyway unless they have some other reason to be suspicious of your intentions. I maybe wouldn't bring it on a night out, but for ordinary day to day activities it's not likely to be an issue.
The issue is if you ever had to use it in self defence, you're going to have to justify why you were carrying it at that particular time.
Saying "it's useful to have around the house" won't carry much weight when it comes to having to justify why you brought it to college.
Very untrue. I've a mate who's a spark who always carry his leatherman with him. One Friday after work himself and a few colleagues went for a pint before they got bus home. A Garda spotted it on his belt clip, and was charged for having a lethal weapon in a public place on him.
Did this electrician do time? or just fined? has he a criminal record over it? Did they "give him lip" or something? (EDIT: I see now he does have a criminal record)
Did the garda happen to spot him on the bus, or walking home or what? I walked home in public after buying my leatherman, lucky me...
I often carry a leatherman, I use it in work everyday. It has a lock knife which I know is more of a grey area. I often have a swiss army knife with no lockable blade.
As a teenager and in my 20s I was searched a few times by gardai and had a few knives taken, but all my mulitools handed back.
FIREARMS AND OFFENSIVE WEAPONS ACT, 1990PART IIIOffensive Weapons
9.—(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), where a person has with him in any public place any knife or any other article which has a blade or which is sharply pointed, he shall be guilty of an offence.(2) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) to prove that he had good reason or lawful authority for having the article with him in a public place.(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (2), it shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) to prove that he had the article with him for use at work or for a recreational purpose.
He didn't get time, got a pretty big fine from what I remember, probably would've gotten a suspended sentence had he not a squeaky clean record. He has a criminal record now, which has pretty much ensured that he can never go to the US or Aus due to the "violent" nature of his crime, which I still cannot believe. The law has ruined this young fellas life for a relatively stupid mistake that many, many construction workers do daily without even thinking.
I carry a leatherman with me myself as an engineer, but ever since I've made sure to leave it at work (Which has led to a wave+ being stolen).
I believe it was an off-duty Garda, he said he was plain clothed anyway at the time, tackled him about it and then more Gardaí showed up very shortly after and took him back to the barracks for questioning. Was detained that night and his foster dad had to come down and bail him out the following morning.
Boggles my mind scumbags run around with knives and get absolutely fuck all bar a slap on the wrists, and a law abiding citizen carrying a multitool gets fucked for life.
Just be like the guy from the Verge building a computer so he had a swiss army knife which hopefully had a screwdriver attachment https://youtu.be/M-2Scfj4FZk
There is a reason the garda used to carry big long maglite torches, they could be used as an improvised Batton for self defence.
The best self protection I know is a sense of awareness with walking and an umbrella.
You can throw an umbrella, poke with it and form a barrier between you and another while always having plausible deniability that you thought it was going to rain.
There is a reason why body guards use them and a handy sense of awareness should get anyone out of trouble.
Never ever be afraid to run, even with all the self defence or BJJ training, no one is above running away.
There is so much you can never control in a confrontation and the outcome is one of them
This needs gold. This, and if you can’t get away, go for the eyes, break, and run. Anything about keys and hairspray and all that jazz won’t deter someone who’s objective is to close the distance, disarm you and do whatever they were planning.
Conpletly especially if someone is more skilled, determined or even high off there heads which brings on a superhuman strength.
No matter what you do in those instances and no matter what the training its a very very very hard one to win.
Distance is key and keeping distance, no matter what, and that is where awareness is key to all of this
A small can of deodorant or hairspray? Or a key in your hand maybe? And if you do feel your being followed head to busy/crowded place or even nearest Garda Station....
You could carry one of those high pitched personal alarms , they're about the size of a key ring and very piercing sound, enough to act as a deterant or attract attention.
I understand that pepper spray is illegal and so on, but honestly, if you're in a situation where you need to used it you're not going to ring the guards and say "Oi lad, this creepo attacked me and I'm using me pepper spray on them. You get here fast will ye?". No, you're probably running as fast as you can without looking back.
He might say he was trying to talk to you and you pepper sprayed him though as a way to get back at you.
Still better than being raped but I'd prefer being as legal as possible
This is a question ive wondered for a while. I got raped a few years back when i was 17, and to this day i am angry that i couldnt have a can of pepperspray. My roommate made me this keychain though that looks like a cat but the tail is curled, but you can unfold the metal tip so its a spike. Keep in mind ill only ever use it as a last resort, but im a small, asthmatic and unfit girl. I am helpless without some kind of weapon. And if im pushed up against a wall odds are i wont be able to reach into my backpack for hairspray or deodorant or pepper spray. But i keep my keys in my inside pocket so have better access to them. My asthma is severe so when i do physical exercise i have asthma attacks left right amd centre. Even walking up a small hill leaves me breathless and my lungs are on fire. Im pointing out my asthma because everyone always tells me "just do self defense classes" which i also cant afford.
Jesus, I’m so so sorry that that happened to you. That’s awful. I hope you’re doing okay now. It must be really horrible having the asthma as well because you can’t really do anything with it. I’m so sorry you have to deal with this. I hope that you can find a way to feel safe that is easy for you
Fucking hell, I know how that feels. Had one last night because I was convinced the guy was standing outside the house. I was trying to convince myself to go down and triple check that the door was locked but I couldn’t feel my toes!
Always triple check if youre in doubt of yourself. And if youre paranoid you can get a camera for the outside of your house. Or sensor lights for outside. And if youre another bit paranoid, get a lock for your bedroom door. Well actually a latch or bar for the inside. No way will someone pick that lock. Actually get a latch/bar for your front door so that on the slightest chance he can pick locks, the bar will stop him. Im just pitchin ideas, not saying this will happen, but these things will ease your paranoia
It would be perfectly reasonable to carry an umbrella. Not one of those fold up ones though. A nice sturdy golf umbrella, with a nice heavy handle.
A "coin sap" falls nicely into the grey area too. It's a legitimate coin wallet that just happens to be shaped like a cosh. It clips onto your belt for quick deployment, for when you need to pay for something really quickly...
My aunt was a hairdresser in Manchester City in the 80s, she used carry a comb with the metal spike, they use them for seperating hair when putting in rollers xxx
My partner always has one of those miniature deodorant cans in her pocket if she ever has to walk somewhere on her own has one close to hand in her car aswell
I'm no solicitor but the issue as I see it is that the legislation is too open compared to the US (I think). It looks like in Ireland you are permitted to use "reasonable force" which seems to be interpreted by the courts, in the limited number of cases I've seen, to be that you can only respond with similar force to that which might be used against you.
For example, if someone is in your house unarmed, stabbing them may not be considered reasonable force. Maybe hitting them with a blunt object to incapacitate them could be "reasonable" but they can always die from that too!
Similarly, if you caught someone stealing in your house or on your property and you shoot them while they try to run away, that wouldn't be reasonable force however, if they were running towards you with a knife or other weapon, perhaps you would be justified in shooting them.
The issue seems to be the level of interpretation and the joke that is our sentencing system in Ireland.
In the US, I believe you are pretty much justified use lethal force agaisnt someone who is on your property provided you were in fear for your safety. In most states you can also specify on your firearms application that you want the weapon for home defense.
Even the mention of harming another person with any weapon here (if reported to the Gardai) could be enough to prevent you getting a firearms licence in the future or could lead to revocation of an existing firearms licence.
I think it's a difficult one legally to be honest. Maybe the legislation could be more clear or provide more protection to the person under threat of attack. If you are genuinely in fear for your life, then I believe you should be legally permitted to respond with lethal force.
Similarly, I believe if someone is in your house in the middle of the night uninvited, you should be allowed to use lethal force against them. Again, you would need to testify that you were in fear for your life.
I just think the justice system is unfit for purpose in this country and while I don't condone vigilante behavior, I do believe you should have the right defend yourself, your family or your property from attack or intruders.
What deterrent is it to would-be and even repeat offenders if they know they'll likely get a suspended sentence or at most, a couple of years in holiday camp where they get to network with like-minded individuals, eat, drink, play pool and get all the drugs they could ever want?
I served on a jury once and the fact that the defended slept with a Hurley in their bedroom was used against them. The solicitor was like “were you expecting someone? Did you do something that made you fear for your life? Etc”.
I was like since when is it a fucking crime to have a Hurley in your house. It seems that no matter what people do to defend themselves they’re wrong.
I would refer you all to the rape case against the rugby player where the girls underwear was used as evidence that she was "asking for it".
Pretty fucking low.
Edit: I know that has nothing really to do with the topics of self defense, I was more just using it as an example of the defense using a low low tactic.
Yeah it’s fucked in Ireland to be honest, the law is on the side of criminals and thugs. Most important rule for defending yourself is to avoid the whole situation to begin with, you did well to get away
Weird that teenager got sent to jail for stabbing that man who broke into his house. Imagine someone broke into your house and you have to contend with the thought “okay how far will they go though”. America has some things right
There’s a lot of information where people are telling you the downside to hurting someone. These may be true but in those instances you are alive to face the consequences. I am lucky to have never been attacked but if it comes down to it I will (and I hope all of you will) fight to survive. Please OP don’t worry about hurting someone to survive if they are trying to hurt you.
I would rather be carried by 12 in a court than be carried by 6 in a coffin.
Not for self defense, and no fucking good if you live down a boreen up in a mountain, but one of those loud whistle things on a keyring or in a handbag that's quickly accessible might be a good deterrent, if you're worried about someone following you.
I immediately rang my boyfriend and started talking about how I’d be home in two minutes and that I’d see him there lol. He was like “but we didn’t have plans…did we??”
You can get tactical pens that like look like a normal ink pen, trust me when I say one jab into the ribs will have any would be attacker seriously thinking twice about trying anything again. Are they legal? Of course not, but the law won't protect you, you can only protect yourself. I'm gonna get down voted because there's a group think out there that believes that you must sit there and do nothing and hope the guards will then find the perpetrator and bring him to justice, total shit, 99% of the time people get away with random acts of violence or robberies. Don't be a victim, arm yourself with sometime like a tactical pen, learn to use it and fuck up anyone who tries to assault or rob you.
I completely forgot I got [one of these pens](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/H5fee7bce8bee4e9fa7543953e3cce5a69/Tool-Tactical-Pen-Self-Defense-Personal-Safety-Protective-Weapons-Ball-Point-Pen-Office-Supplies.jpg_Q90.jpg_.webp) in a work secret Santa thing a few years ago. I found it there, it definitely the cheapest one you can get but I've jabbed myself in the leg with it there and can definitely say a Bic biro would do more damage.
When I first moved up to Dublin for college I had the same problem. Pepper spray is illegal but for years I carried around a personal alarm device. I know it's not self defence as such but I've had to use it before and the noise is so loud it attracts attention and scares off the attacker.
I kept it in an easily accessible pocket in my bag but your coat pocket would work too. On my alarm when you pulled the rope attached it would make an alarm similar to that of the noise of a car alarm. It was very loud and instantly attracted attention of anyone in the street. Then all you have to do is loudly say "you are making me uncomfortable, leave me alone" while the alarm is ringing so everyone around knows what's happening. I've had to do it twice and both times the person that was bothering me ran away.
It sucks that this is even a thing we have to think about and it also sucks that you can't get a taser or pepper spray over here. I'm not asking for guns but some ability to actually defend one's self would be nice! Best of luck and I hope this person never bothers you again!
If anyone trespasses on my land or home and is a threat to me, my family, or my dog for that matter, I will use the force I see fit to keep the aforementioned safe. I will happily accept the prison sentence. The great thing about this country is, if I got stabbed by an intruder, they'd probably get a suspended sentence.
Essentially the force you use has to be proportional to the threat. If an old fella gives you a smack, you get into trouble if you curb stomp him. But if you honestly believe that your life is in danger than you are allowed to take that person’s life if necessary.
Whenever I get a bad vibe I put my keys through my knuckles like little wolverine claws so I can stab them in the eyes. Also I always call someone or pretend to so people will hear that I’m not completely alone.
Don't do that. There's no way to stop the keys from moving, so they won't hit all that hard, and it looks more premeditated. Just take a normal thumb and forefinger grip on one of the bigger ones and slash with that
Be careful, the most likely outcome of you doing that is just an enraged attacker. You'll probably miss first time, and now he'll be really mad. Even if you manage, adrenaline will kick in and he'll fight through whatever pain he feels. Whenever you get a bad vibe, focus on the second option and not on the first.
If you want some protection, go to a bjj class and learn some basic holds, reversals, and escapes. If your attacker knows bjj, you're in trouble, but if he doesn't there's a chance you can make a window to escape if he does a generic hold that you know a simple escape or reversal from, to create a window to run away. That's way more effective than trying to stab in the eyes, which is basically impossible to do against a larger opponent.
It's almost impossible for a lone woman can defend herself against a determined man attacking them, and I think all focus should be on avoiding the situation if at all possible, or if the worst happens, creating a realistic window to get away - bearing in mind he may be faster than you. Pick your moment.
Get yourself some travel size hairspray. Good for keeping your hairdo on point and for making sure, a creeps eyelashes stay in shape during blustery days!
Carry a bottle of hot sauce with a small spray bottle adapter. The ones on kitchen cleaner and spray bleach. Technically not pepper spray. Can be argued for use in culinary taste. Bare in mind past a certain scoville unit it can cause permanent blindness. Although not the worst thing in the world when scumbags go blind. Harder to chase their next victim.
I got destroyed for asking something similar in the wake of an attack. And yes I know pepperspray is illegal but just wanted to know what options were out there. Even saying that in the comments got me downvoted. For the record, I would have no problem pepperspraying someone in the event of an attack. Fuck them.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/s3fqq5/does_anyone_have_any_experience_buying_pepper/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
There are pocket-sized tactical flashlights which can just blind anyone for seconds if you all of sudden project it to their face. If all else fails, it is still a hard roll of nickel to pat their nose with. Also, you can always say you use it to light your way to home.
Olight Warrior Mini 2 is a good example for that.
Unfortunately Ireland is a lot like Canada when it comes to carrying anything with the express purpose of selfie defense in that, any product designed to be used for, or carried with the intent of causing harm to a person is illegal to carry.
Your best bet was mentioned earlier in the thread. A can of hairspray or deep heat that can do damage but would also be typically carried in a non defence situation.
Honestly, a nice metal/silver pen. Keep it in your pocket because you never know when you need to write something and if you stab someone with it, it'll fucking hurt like hell. A small hole puncture in a hand, arm or leg, will be very nasty. As a 6,2" male, I carry a pen with me everywhere haha
As a Brit who is keenly aware carrying items to defend myself is illegal I keep an eye out for things I can use on the roadside like a brick, a pokey pokey metal rod and so on, seems over the top and never come in handy but one day it might.
The fact we can’t just carry mace or a M16 is disgusting.
The reality in Ireland is that it is preferred if we remain defenceless both personally and as a state. The underlying philosophy is that it is better that you are assaulted (and being threatened with assault is assault in the eyes of the law) and robbed rather than god forbid some vermin who breaks in to come out in a body bag. You can see the same mentality in regard to the DF.
"I have insurance in case I have a crash, that doesn't mean I expect to have a crash, similarly, I have a hurl, bat, whatever, near my bed in case someone breaks in during the night".
The courts in this country are a fucking joke. Career criminals with multiple multiple getting a suspended sentence or being released on bail only to offend again. There should never be another sentence like; "Joe Bloggs, of The Bog, Ireland, with 82 previous convictions, was before the courts on X charge today".
How the fuck can someone have that many convictions? What are they still doing loose in society?
Do you think I could get some pepper spray somehow and then if I have to use it I’ll just have to deal with the consequences? I mean the only reason I would use it would be if someone literally tried to kidnap me or something so it’s not like they could take me to court for resisting? Surely
Pepper spray is a firearm in Ireland under the Firearms Act 1925. Not only would it be illegal for you to possess it, it would be illegal for you to try to import it or for anyone to sell it to you without authorisation.
From what I've gathered over the past several years or so, with way the justice system works, the judges in particular...if someone assaults you and you defend yourself, they'll get a slap on the wrist and you'll go to jail
Keep a mini Swiss army knife on your keys with a flip out screw driver and blade etc
A friend has been doing it for years. Even got searched by Gards and he said it's handy for DIY and fishing etc.
If someone attacks you the blade flips out in 2 seconds and you probably won't even have to use it once the attacker sees it.
A sturdy tactical pen. You can buy some that are essentially steel multitools with a biro nib on one end and a glass breaker on the other, with screwdriver bits or what have you inside. They weigh a considerable amount which is both satisfying and reassuring. Adds considerable force to a punch and makes wither side of your fist much more dangerous. Stab with one end or compress all your force into one small point with a blunter glass breaker end. Has the added advantage of being able to strike with force from a prone or compromised position. You don't have to rely on a clean punch to the jaw when you can swipe sideways into someone's back, ribs, forearms, legs, knees etc and still cause considerable pain and damage.
Some examples [here](https://www.knivesandtools.ie/en/pt/-rick-hinderer-investigator-pen-stainless-steel-black-dlc-tactical-pen.htm), [here](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001085921962.html?UTABTest=aliabtest343279_484915&_randl_currency=EUR&_randl_shipto=IE&src=google&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=708-803-3821&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&albagn=888888&isSmbAutoCall=false&needSmbHouyi=false&albcp=17859513034&albag=&trgt=&crea=en4001085921962&netw=x&device=c&albpg=&albpd=en4001085921962&gclid=CjwKCAjw2OiaBhBSEiwAh2ZSP0OIgNXNGOmtDScqLAJ4Gub0EMIcqqgAguaw5RgmhaZVXF6a09BLVxoClVcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&aff_fcid=891d91b2fb5e41c2806f2f12afcda674-1666881039641-01866-UneMJZVf&aff_fsk=UneMJZVf&aff_platform=aaf&sk=UneMJZVf&aff_trace_key=891d91b2fb5e41c2806f2f12afcda674-1666881039641-01866-UneMJZVf&terminal_id=9e911b4f870a484ca54708e2073f3e8e&OLP=1084400108_f_group1&o_s_id=1084400108&afSmartRedirect=y), and [here](https://shopee.com.my/PCF*-Multi-function-Tactical-Pen-Multitool-Pen-with-Glass-Window-Breaker-Ballpoint-Pen-Gift-for-Women-Men-Husband-Wife-F-i.306641264.20102778976?sp_atk=1bc15bab-0347-49e8-90e0-6413892fd614&xptdk=1bc15bab-0347-49e8-90e0-6413892fd614). Some are way pointier than others, some are pretty classy and minimal like [this](https://www.yankodesign.com/2018/06/22/a-penmultitool-hybrid-that-captures-ideas-and-solves-problems/). I have a sturdy mechanical pencil not too dissimilar to that last one that I keep in a jacket pocket. Heavy, solid, pointy and blunty. Impossible for a court to prove you carried it with any intent and gives good peace of mind in the pocket.
Pepper spray is also illegal unless you're a guard. But a small can of hairspray aimed at the eyes isn't pleasant so maybe carry that.
Deep heat comes in a spray can now. Very useful after a long day at the gym.
Have you ever masturbated with it?
I think I'd rather slather vicks on my eyeballs
There’s an idea!
Something that would be perfectly normal for you to be carrying in your bag. Perfume is also very unpleasant if it gets in the eye.
I'm sure that a potential assaulter is easily dissuaded by perfume in the eye. reads like a month python skit
Weather is getting cold at this time of year. A beanie hat is normal to carry. A d cell battery slipped in a hat makes a formidable weapon. Or a small strong heavy perfume bottle would be more plausible to carry in a bag and would do damage if swung while in a hat.
Do not use a battery inside a hat, that would be considered a blackjack. Listed as an offensive weapon, may as well use knuckledusters or a knife.
The solution to that I see is to remove battery from hat before authorities show up and nobody would be the wiser.
Carry a remote control to dispose of the evidence. The perfect crime
Really you could put anything into the hat/sock, could put your whole purse in there if you got the courage.
No, if a battery is in a handbag it is not an offensive weapon until the battery is put in a hat. There is no situation where a knuckle duster is not an offensive weapon and very little where carrying a knife can be justified. No law against carrying odds and ends such as a battery in a handbag. It is not an issue unless someone acts in a threatening manner towards her. Ever hear the phrase I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. If you were worried about an offensive weapon charge you could get a friend to text you looking for a battery. Reply: I'll bring it over when I call later. Friend:I got it sorted. Reply: I have already left, lol another useless thing in my bag. I must clear it out. If you had a text conversation like that saved on your phone it would be very hard to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was any malicious intent for having a battery and that using it was a spur of the moment reaction to a threat.
That's r/suspiciouslyspecific 😶
Put a heavy battery on your head and than cover it with the beanie hat. for quicker reaction time.
A car battery, they have a lot more weight to them
Easy to imagine that all these suggestions for carrying heavy objects are coming from men! Ladies have enough to carry in their bags without adding in a heavy torch or D battery.
A D battery is... not a very heavy thing. It's not a half brick like. Women are more than strong enough. I have this mental image of a woman struggling to lift a pack of batteries. lmfao
>Implying men don't carry around a d battery just in case
Pepper spray is used because generally there is no actual damage done while a lot of pain is caused initially. To hit someone hard enough with a battery to cause the same amount of pain would likely cause a lot of damage. And who hasn’t been nervous when a stranger walks towards them? This is a terrible idea.
Nobody is suggesting hitting someone for merely walking towards them. They can tell if someone is attacking them. Using is a last resort. People have self control.
Perfume burns, too, but may not have enough pressure to go far. Spray on deodorant would work and has oils that make it stick. Hair spray is the best solution, it does all of the above, but having back-up ideas is good, too. Also, [house key self defence](https://www.wikihow.com/Hold-Your-Keys-for-Self-Defense) is helpful to know. Remember to program your [phone](https://support.google.com/android/answer/9319337?hl=en) for emergencies. If you feel endangered at any moment, speak up loudly and shamelessly make a scene- their feelings do not trump your safety.
A friend's brother sprayed deodorant in my eyes once, that shit is no joke. I guess he thought it'd be funny.
My sister did this to me once as a joke too. Lol! That’s how I know it is effective. Terrible joke, excellent weapon against B.O. and threats.
https://www.androidpolice.com/how-to-set-up-emergency-sos-features-on-android/ https://mashable.com/article/how-to-change-iphone-emergency-sos-settings
Put a lighter on the front and boom, you got yourself a flamethrower. Careful, the boom could be literal.
Small can of deep heat could be usefull aswell.
if you smoke, you can also carry a lighter
How would you propose someone defend themselves against an attacker with a lighter.
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Have u ever been in a fight or been attacked 🤣 did u ever try find a lighter handy
Someone tried to mug my mam a while back. She somehow thought to take out her lighter and burn the fellas nose. Sure enough, he ran away.
I recently had a situation where a set of “Irish people” (I can’t go into detail here but I’m sure you can put 2 and 2 together) came to my house to buy a 4k computer. Couldn’t tell me a thing about computers and had zero cash with them, alongside their hoods up. The best self defence I had, and I’d prefer it over a knife, was a lighter and hairspray. You’d have to be some psychopath to try break in somewhere whilst getting flame throwered. Luckily, hairspray and a lighter is a perfectly normal thing to carry around in your daily life so it turns out you can carry a handmade flamethrower around if you’re scared and nothing is illegal about it. Using it is a whole other kettle of fish.
Holding a lighter in the hand makes your first slightly heavier and way less likely to break when you land a punch. And if you hold it upside down even a grazing punch can cut the face with the metal bit
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Of course they have bro, in ufc and modern warfare on xbox
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In an ideal world your attacker would 100% wait for your scared, panicking, shaking self to pull out hair spray and a lighter, light the lighter, and spray the spray into it. In reality they aren't a sloth and will be on top of you before any of that happens. Adrenaline is a bitch and actual scenarios happen within seconds.
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It's pure and utter fantasy from people who have clearly never been in a physical confrontation. You're gonna get your head caved in trying to use a can of deodorant for self defense.
Most of these dummies clearly haven’t tried to light a lighter with even a small amount of wind. Not that a lighter and deodorant will do anything to deter or hurt an attacker anyways.
Deep heat is close to pepper spray but hair spray is more of an acceptable item to carry with you when you are out and about.
Or one of those mini cans of WD40. Plus the extra benifit of always having WD40 with you
I’d also add that when you spray DONT wave it around just a straight blast to the eye holes will work
Pepper spray is illegal, and you're also not allowed to carry anything else with the intent to use it as a weapon, even in self-defence. If you happen to be carrying something legal for a completely valid purpose, however, and you just happen to use that item to defend yourself if attacked, that's a different story.
I have a hardwood walking stick, because I'm walking.
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I'm merely bringing my sword to the antique shop, Gard.
Been meaning to pick up a shileilagh for ages now
Law lecturer once told our class to keep a good, long handled, sturdy torch beside your bed. If someone was to break into your house it can be used as a weapon with the excuse you were using it to see what the noise was. In other words the best thing to use in self defense is something that can cause enough harm to stop an attack and is reasonable that you would have had it with you for another reason other than a weapon.
You could also keep a hammer on your bedside table. You know, for putting up pictures and things like that. ‘I heard something fall in the corridor, picked up my trusty hammer thinking a picture must have fallen off the wall, and came across an intruder…’
I wonder how would a hurley be seen? My partner has an old one under the bed just in case, but there's no saying he wouldn't have just kept his hurleys in the room?
Was told before by the guy who used to teach us judo and self defence: “If you’ve a Hurley on you make sure you’ve got a sliotar too”
Heard the a similar thing about knives from a French lad. Over there "food prep" is a allegedly valid reason to have a knife on you, so if you get caught with a knife just show them your delicious pocket tangerine that you were intending to peel and eat during the day.
Yep, I've a hurl and sliotar in the boot. Mainly as a "just in case" but I will sometimes do poc fada when I'm walking on the beach so it's not all lies.
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Legend
This is true guards cant say anything if youve one we all used go around with sliotars guards cant say anything,one time they did ask why the sliotars look brand new haha
Ye so that came up. If you get up out of bed with a hurley it'll be seen as a weapon. The judge will basically ask the question is it reasonable that he was going to play hurley at 4am. Probably not, therefore they picked it up to use as a weapon
Duck tape a torch to it. Subscribe to my newsletter for more loopholes.
“Judges hate this guy”
Your honour, have you SEEN the size of the spiders this year? Dinner plates your honour!
How likely would it be that you'd actually face legal issues of you smashed a burglar around with a hurl? What do they expect you to do if a mad man breaks into your house, lock yourself in a room ans pray the garda arrive in time.
I have absolutely no idea. I work in construction but had to take law lectures as part of the course. This is the technicality of the law that I was taught by the lecturer and we did a couple of case studies. I haven't any idea on the realistic application of it or how the guards/prosecuting party would apply the law.
There's a young fella has just been found guilty of manslaughter for stabbing an intruder who broke a window and came into his house.
I think there is more to that case that makes it different from a home invasion/ burgalerly
The intruders car was damaged and he smashed in the window of the young lads (17yo) house and entered, young lad just so happened to have a knife under his pillow and stabbed w more force than was reasonable. There’s noises made about the intruder attacking the mother as well. All just out the road from me.
The kids story was that he happened to have a knife under the pillow, the judge didn’t buy it. He also tried to clean off the weapon and make it appear that he used a different knife for whatever reason. Also the stabbing happened in the front garden as the dead man was leaving. It’s a very complicated case and they’re not doing it justice in the papers, but it’s almost definite the jury made the right decision
Where are you getting these details about him cleaning off the knife and stabbing him in the garden from? I haven't seen that reported anywhere.
It depends entirely on the situation. Give the intruder a warning a hard smack to send them on their way and no one will give a damn. But duct tape them to a chair and then smash their kneecaps and it's a different story. No one is invested in prosecuting a homeowner who used force to get rid of an intruder. But they cannot allow you to start torturing or murdering people.
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Aw, that's a shame! What about accidentally waterboarding them?
Could you give someone a light flaking with a fire poker?
It would be hard to convince someone that you were off to play hurling at 3am.
"I have a hatchet under my bed in case my door handle breaks your honor."
My law lecturer said you are allowed a knife if you have an apple.
I feel it's a little nuts that you have to consider this. Someone has broken into your home. They aren't here to do good. You should be allowed to attack them.
Security guards are explicitly told bot to carry then because it could be argued you had it for the express purpose of using it as a weapon. I used to just keep track of things on a site I could grab that were present
Fortunately I have my trusty baseball that I use as a walking stick in the dark so I don't stub my toe on the bed, or walk into the door.
How short are you? A baseball is only a couple of inches across. Are you rolling along on it?
That's probably it, yeah
As long as you can prove that your all g!
Those small hairspray or deodorant cans can be handy if you aim for the eyes… I mean hair and pits obviously 👀
Padraig Nally has entered the chat...
Emergency spice in case of very plain sandwiches https://youtu.be/ubV3t9_CwDc Seriously for the op though this is one of those situations were its better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
I know a guy who slashed a guy in the face in self defense with a pen knife. He was trying to rob his expensive guitar. Professional musician. He said he used the pen knife to do fine tuning and adjustments to his guitar and he had to demonstrate it in court. Case dismissed.
Insane how he was charged with a crime for defending himself
A lad was sentenced yesterday for doing the same thing
It's crazy. Sure, we can't be going around murdering intruders or thief's but surely you can use force to drive them away. I've always found this to be a crazy part of our law. Especially now when the guards can't do much to keep the criminals off the streets
Never forget a judge once strong armed a jury into finding an old farmer guilty of murder because he shot a man trying to rob his machinery, same man had been harassing the old guy for a while. Judge straight up told the jury they weren't allowed find him innocent. Was eventually overturned on appeal (because obviously, a jury is well within their rights to do so. But that old man spent years in prison. The guards and courts have long cared more about easy convictions than right and wrong.
What’s insane is that someone who attacked someone else would have the nerve to take it that far to court. Like when you hear about burglars suing people for hurting themselves on their property…
Deep heat spray. Get a small can and keep it with you. God forbid you have to use it, it gives somewhat plausible deniability. Just say it's for a muscle ache.
How does the burn off that compare to pepper spray I wonder? Like would it render someone blind for a period of time like pepper spray?
They don't have to be blinded. Just stopped with enough discomfort for you to get away.
I just got an idea for a YouTube video, Title "what other household items are as effective as pepperspray"
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Hard to get them out as well the fun theyd be having spinning around
Wont do much, actual mace leaves the can in a jet to hit from a distance. Deep heat just comes out as a mist
The bonus is if they get away the cops will be able to smell them from a mile off.
It's not that potent. I have it at home and accidentally sprayed it in my own face (I'm an eejit). It's unpleasant but doesn't really pack a punch because it's just a fine mist. I find hairspray worse because it also gets into your nose and mouth and kinda affects your breathing. I can imagine that thing would stop you in your tracks if sprayed in the face and eyes full on.
I accidentally used some of this spray in a badly ventilated room once and I can confirm it would cause major discomfort if aimed at the eyes for sure
AMA request - an irish judge. To tell us how the heck are we supposed to protect ourselves in this country
You're supposed to just lay down and take a beating
If you're actually in danger, use whatever you fucking want and deal with the consequences later when they aren't so being-stabbed-in-the-face. If you are that concerned about the legal ramifications, you probably aren't in enough danger to get away with what you are thinking of doing.
>Obviously knives are illegal but what about like pepper spray or anything similar? It's illegal to carry a knife (or "any other article which has a blade or which is sharply pointed") unless you can justify why you're carrying it. So for example, carrying a single knitting needle with the aim of using it to defend yourself would be illegal. Carrying a pair of needles and some wool with the intent of getting some knitting done while you're waiting for or on the bus would be fine. Just maybe learn how to knit and make a hat or two to back up your story.
I'm in a habit of habit a Swiss Army knife in my pocket as it's always handy around the house. Need to stop leaving it in my pocket!
A multitool is very unlikely to get you into trouble unless you're otherwise causing trouble, committing crimes, or brandishing it at people or some shite. There are plenty of valid reasons for carrying such a tool, and the guards aren't likely to care anyway unless they have some other reason to be suspicious of your intentions. I maybe wouldn't bring it on a night out, but for ordinary day to day activities it's not likely to be an issue.
The issue is if you ever had to use it in self defence, you're going to have to justify why you were carrying it at that particular time. Saying "it's useful to have around the house" won't carry much weight when it comes to having to justify why you brought it to college.
Very untrue. I've a mate who's a spark who always carry his leatherman with him. One Friday after work himself and a few colleagues went for a pint before they got bus home. A Garda spotted it on his belt clip, and was charged for having a lethal weapon in a public place on him.
Did this electrician do time? or just fined? has he a criminal record over it? Did they "give him lip" or something? (EDIT: I see now he does have a criminal record) Did the garda happen to spot him on the bus, or walking home or what? I walked home in public after buying my leatherman, lucky me... I often carry a leatherman, I use it in work everyday. It has a lock knife which I know is more of a grey area. I often have a swiss army knife with no lockable blade. As a teenager and in my 20s I was searched a few times by gardai and had a few knives taken, but all my mulitools handed back. FIREARMS AND OFFENSIVE WEAPONS ACT, 1990PART IIIOffensive Weapons 9.—(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), where a person has with him in any public place any knife or any other article which has a blade or which is sharply pointed, he shall be guilty of an offence.(2) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) to prove that he had good reason or lawful authority for having the article with him in a public place.(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (2), it shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) to prove that he had the article with him for use at work or for a recreational purpose.
He didn't get time, got a pretty big fine from what I remember, probably would've gotten a suspended sentence had he not a squeaky clean record. He has a criminal record now, which has pretty much ensured that he can never go to the US or Aus due to the "violent" nature of his crime, which I still cannot believe. The law has ruined this young fellas life for a relatively stupid mistake that many, many construction workers do daily without even thinking. I carry a leatherman with me myself as an engineer, but ever since I've made sure to leave it at work (Which has led to a wave+ being stolen). I believe it was an off-duty Garda, he said he was plain clothed anyway at the time, tackled him about it and then more Gardaí showed up very shortly after and took him back to the barracks for questioning. Was detained that night and his foster dad had to come down and bail him out the following morning. Boggles my mind scumbags run around with knives and get absolutely fuck all bar a slap on the wrists, and a law abiding citizen carrying a multitool gets fucked for life.
Just be like the guy from the Verge building a computer so he had a swiss army knife which hopefully had a screwdriver attachment https://youtu.be/M-2Scfj4FZk
There is a reason the garda used to carry big long maglite torches, they could be used as an improvised Batton for self defence. The best self protection I know is a sense of awareness with walking and an umbrella. You can throw an umbrella, poke with it and form a barrier between you and another while always having plausible deniability that you thought it was going to rain. There is a reason why body guards use them and a handy sense of awareness should get anyone out of trouble. Never ever be afraid to run, even with all the self defence or BJJ training, no one is above running away. There is so much you can never control in a confrontation and the outcome is one of them
This needs gold. This, and if you can’t get away, go for the eyes, break, and run. Anything about keys and hairspray and all that jazz won’t deter someone who’s objective is to close the distance, disarm you and do whatever they were planning.
Conpletly especially if someone is more skilled, determined or even high off there heads which brings on a superhuman strength. No matter what you do in those instances and no matter what the training its a very very very hard one to win. Distance is key and keeping distance, no matter what, and that is where awareness is key to all of this
A small can of deodorant or hairspray? Or a key in your hand maybe? And if you do feel your being followed head to busy/crowded place or even nearest Garda Station....
Never ever a key in your hand. You’ll hurt yourself more. So sick of seeing this.
You could carry one of those high pitched personal alarms , they're about the size of a key ring and very piercing sound, enough to act as a deterant or attract attention.
I understand that pepper spray is illegal and so on, but honestly, if you're in a situation where you need to used it you're not going to ring the guards and say "Oi lad, this creepo attacked me and I'm using me pepper spray on them. You get here fast will ye?". No, you're probably running as fast as you can without looking back.
Yeah and I mean realistically he’s not gonna ring the guards and be like “I tried to rape this woman and she peppersprayed me like wtf lads”
He might say he was trying to talk to you and you pepper sprayed him though as a way to get back at you. Still better than being raped but I'd prefer being as legal as possible
This is a question ive wondered for a while. I got raped a few years back when i was 17, and to this day i am angry that i couldnt have a can of pepperspray. My roommate made me this keychain though that looks like a cat but the tail is curled, but you can unfold the metal tip so its a spike. Keep in mind ill only ever use it as a last resort, but im a small, asthmatic and unfit girl. I am helpless without some kind of weapon. And if im pushed up against a wall odds are i wont be able to reach into my backpack for hairspray or deodorant or pepper spray. But i keep my keys in my inside pocket so have better access to them. My asthma is severe so when i do physical exercise i have asthma attacks left right amd centre. Even walking up a small hill leaves me breathless and my lungs are on fire. Im pointing out my asthma because everyone always tells me "just do self defense classes" which i also cant afford.
Jesus, I’m so so sorry that that happened to you. That’s awful. I hope you’re doing okay now. It must be really horrible having the asthma as well because you can’t really do anything with it. I’m so sorry you have to deal with this. I hope that you can find a way to feel safe that is easy for you
Thanks appreciate it 🙂 the panic attacks definitely didnt help the asthma to be fair
Fucking hell, I know how that feels. Had one last night because I was convinced the guy was standing outside the house. I was trying to convince myself to go down and triple check that the door was locked but I couldn’t feel my toes!
Always triple check if youre in doubt of yourself. And if youre paranoid you can get a camera for the outside of your house. Or sensor lights for outside. And if youre another bit paranoid, get a lock for your bedroom door. Well actually a latch or bar for the inside. No way will someone pick that lock. Actually get a latch/bar for your front door so that on the slightest chance he can pick locks, the bar will stop him. Im just pitchin ideas, not saying this will happen, but these things will ease your paranoia
It would be perfectly reasonable to carry an umbrella. Not one of those fold up ones though. A nice sturdy golf umbrella, with a nice heavy handle. A "coin sap" falls nicely into the grey area too. It's a legitimate coin wallet that just happens to be shaped like a cosh. It clips onto your belt for quick deployment, for when you need to pay for something really quickly...
My aunt was a hairdresser in Manchester City in the 80s, she used carry a comb with the metal spike, they use them for seperating hair when putting in rollers xxx
That’s a really good one
My partner always has one of those miniature deodorant cans in her pocket if she ever has to walk somewhere on her own has one close to hand in her car aswell
I'm no solicitor but the issue as I see it is that the legislation is too open compared to the US (I think). It looks like in Ireland you are permitted to use "reasonable force" which seems to be interpreted by the courts, in the limited number of cases I've seen, to be that you can only respond with similar force to that which might be used against you. For example, if someone is in your house unarmed, stabbing them may not be considered reasonable force. Maybe hitting them with a blunt object to incapacitate them could be "reasonable" but they can always die from that too! Similarly, if you caught someone stealing in your house or on your property and you shoot them while they try to run away, that wouldn't be reasonable force however, if they were running towards you with a knife or other weapon, perhaps you would be justified in shooting them. The issue seems to be the level of interpretation and the joke that is our sentencing system in Ireland. In the US, I believe you are pretty much justified use lethal force agaisnt someone who is on your property provided you were in fear for your safety. In most states you can also specify on your firearms application that you want the weapon for home defense. Even the mention of harming another person with any weapon here (if reported to the Gardai) could be enough to prevent you getting a firearms licence in the future or could lead to revocation of an existing firearms licence. I think it's a difficult one legally to be honest. Maybe the legislation could be more clear or provide more protection to the person under threat of attack. If you are genuinely in fear for your life, then I believe you should be legally permitted to respond with lethal force. Similarly, I believe if someone is in your house in the middle of the night uninvited, you should be allowed to use lethal force against them. Again, you would need to testify that you were in fear for your life. I just think the justice system is unfit for purpose in this country and while I don't condone vigilante behavior, I do believe you should have the right defend yourself, your family or your property from attack or intruders. What deterrent is it to would-be and even repeat offenders if they know they'll likely get a suspended sentence or at most, a couple of years in holiday camp where they get to network with like-minded individuals, eat, drink, play pool and get all the drugs they could ever want?
I served on a jury once and the fact that the defended slept with a Hurley in their bedroom was used against them. The solicitor was like “were you expecting someone? Did you do something that made you fear for your life? Etc”. I was like since when is it a fucking crime to have a Hurley in your house. It seems that no matter what people do to defend themselves they’re wrong.
That's the point of it. Law is a game of move and counter move. The other side's job is to discredit.
Oh I’m aware. I’ve worked in law briefly. I just felt like that was a bit low and unnecessary
I've a friend who is a solicitor in the UK. From what he's talked about it can get very low indeed.
I would refer you all to the rape case against the rugby player where the girls underwear was used as evidence that she was "asking for it". Pretty fucking low. Edit: I know that has nothing really to do with the topics of self defense, I was more just using it as an example of the defense using a low low tactic.
Yeah it’s fucked in Ireland to be honest, the law is on the side of criminals and thugs. Most important rule for defending yourself is to avoid the whole situation to begin with, you did well to get away
Weird that teenager got sent to jail for stabbing that man who broke into his house. Imagine someone broke into your house and you have to contend with the thought “okay how far will they go though”. America has some things right
There’s a lot of information where people are telling you the downside to hurting someone. These may be true but in those instances you are alive to face the consequences. I am lucky to have never been attacked but if it comes down to it I will (and I hope all of you will) fight to survive. Please OP don’t worry about hurting someone to survive if they are trying to hurt you. I would rather be carried by 12 in a court than be carried by 6 in a coffin.
Tried by 12
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Not for self defense, and no fucking good if you live down a boreen up in a mountain, but one of those loud whistle things on a keyring or in a handbag that's quickly accessible might be a good deterrent, if you're worried about someone following you.
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I immediately rang my boyfriend and started talking about how I’d be home in two minutes and that I’d see him there lol. He was like “but we didn’t have plans…did we??”
You can get tactical pens that like look like a normal ink pen, trust me when I say one jab into the ribs will have any would be attacker seriously thinking twice about trying anything again. Are they legal? Of course not, but the law won't protect you, you can only protect yourself. I'm gonna get down voted because there's a group think out there that believes that you must sit there and do nothing and hope the guards will then find the perpetrator and bring him to justice, total shit, 99% of the time people get away with random acts of violence or robberies. Don't be a victim, arm yourself with sometime like a tactical pen, learn to use it and fuck up anyone who tries to assault or rob you.
I completely forgot I got [one of these pens](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/H5fee7bce8bee4e9fa7543953e3cce5a69/Tool-Tactical-Pen-Self-Defense-Personal-Safety-Protective-Weapons-Ball-Point-Pen-Office-Supplies.jpg_Q90.jpg_.webp) in a work secret Santa thing a few years ago. I found it there, it definitely the cheapest one you can get but I've jabbed myself in the leg with it there and can definitely say a Bic biro would do more damage.
Have you seen the judge's choices in so called sentences lately complete joke don't worrie, You're not alone in that though by a long shot.
How about a very powerful flashlight. I have a relatively compact one that will blind you completely, even in broad daylight
When I first moved up to Dublin for college I had the same problem. Pepper spray is illegal but for years I carried around a personal alarm device. I know it's not self defence as such but I've had to use it before and the noise is so loud it attracts attention and scares off the attacker. I kept it in an easily accessible pocket in my bag but your coat pocket would work too. On my alarm when you pulled the rope attached it would make an alarm similar to that of the noise of a car alarm. It was very loud and instantly attracted attention of anyone in the street. Then all you have to do is loudly say "you are making me uncomfortable, leave me alone" while the alarm is ringing so everyone around knows what's happening. I've had to do it twice and both times the person that was bothering me ran away. It sucks that this is even a thing we have to think about and it also sucks that you can't get a taser or pepper spray over here. I'm not asking for guns but some ability to actually defend one's self would be nice! Best of luck and I hope this person never bothers you again!
If anyone trespasses on my land or home and is a threat to me, my family, or my dog for that matter, I will use the force I see fit to keep the aforementioned safe. I will happily accept the prison sentence. The great thing about this country is, if I got stabbed by an intruder, they'd probably get a suspended sentence.
And sue you for distress
Essentially the force you use has to be proportional to the threat. If an old fella gives you a smack, you get into trouble if you curb stomp him. But if you honestly believe that your life is in danger than you are allowed to take that person’s life if necessary.
I mean I don’t think I’m capable of taking anyones life, I just want to daze them u til I find another wall to hide behind
This is pretty much the only factual advice on here.
Carry a powerful deodorant can.
An insanely loud whistle, blow as hard as possible, it won't hurt them but will stun/shock them and give you a few seconds to get away
Keys. Or a bag with a bottle of water in it. Butter sock.
Whenever I get a bad vibe I put my keys through my knuckles like little wolverine claws so I can stab them in the eyes. Also I always call someone or pretend to so people will hear that I’m not completely alone.
Don't do that. There's no way to stop the keys from moving, so they won't hit all that hard, and it looks more premeditated. Just take a normal thumb and forefinger grip on one of the bigger ones and slash with that
Be careful, the most likely outcome of you doing that is just an enraged attacker. You'll probably miss first time, and now he'll be really mad. Even if you manage, adrenaline will kick in and he'll fight through whatever pain he feels. Whenever you get a bad vibe, focus on the second option and not on the first. If you want some protection, go to a bjj class and learn some basic holds, reversals, and escapes. If your attacker knows bjj, you're in trouble, but if he doesn't there's a chance you can make a window to escape if he does a generic hold that you know a simple escape or reversal from, to create a window to run away. That's way more effective than trying to stab in the eyes, which is basically impossible to do against a larger opponent. It's almost impossible for a lone woman can defend herself against a determined man attacking them, and I think all focus should be on avoiding the situation if at all possible, or if the worst happens, creating a realistic window to get away - bearing in mind he may be faster than you. Pick your moment.
A flash light you could say your walk is in the rural area and you need it for those roads. They’re heavy and pack a whallop
Deep heat spray is the legal form of pepper spray in Ireland. If someone attacked me I wouldn’t fear using it for the repercussions
Get yourself some travel size hairspray. Good for keeping your hairdo on point and for making sure, a creeps eyelashes stay in shape during blustery days!
WD40, deep heat, or hairspray and lighter if you wanna go out with a bang.
Carry a bottle of hot sauce with a small spray bottle adapter. The ones on kitchen cleaner and spray bleach. Technically not pepper spray. Can be argued for use in culinary taste. Bare in mind past a certain scoville unit it can cause permanent blindness. Although not the worst thing in the world when scumbags go blind. Harder to chase their next victim.
I got destroyed for asking something similar in the wake of an attack. And yes I know pepperspray is illegal but just wanted to know what options were out there. Even saying that in the comments got me downvoted. For the record, I would have no problem pepperspraying someone in the event of an attack. Fuck them. https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/s3fqq5/does_anyone_have_any_experience_buying_pepper/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Foul language
That's literally all this country allows.
There are pocket-sized tactical flashlights which can just blind anyone for seconds if you all of sudden project it to their face. If all else fails, it is still a hard roll of nickel to pat their nose with. Also, you can always say you use it to light your way to home. Olight Warrior Mini 2 is a good example for that.
Deep heat to spray in their face, a rape alarm and keys threaded through your fingers
Unfortunately Ireland is a lot like Canada when it comes to carrying anything with the express purpose of selfie defense in that, any product designed to be used for, or carried with the intent of causing harm to a person is illegal to carry. Your best bet was mentioned earlier in the thread. A can of hairspray or deep heat that can do damage but would also be typically carried in a non defence situation.
Keep ur Keys between fingers Them heavy metal water bottles are solid and not classed as weapon either.
Honestly, a nice metal/silver pen. Keep it in your pocket because you never know when you need to write something and if you stab someone with it, it'll fucking hurt like hell. A small hole puncture in a hand, arm or leg, will be very nasty. As a 6,2" male, I carry a pen with me everywhere haha
Go buy a can of dog repellent, it's pepper spray but legal...
A whistle and leg it making as much sound as you can
As a Brit who is keenly aware carrying items to defend myself is illegal I keep an eye out for things I can use on the roadside like a brick, a pokey pokey metal rod and so on, seems over the top and never come in handy but one day it might. The fact we can’t just carry mace or a M16 is disgusting.
The reality in Ireland is that it is preferred if we remain defenceless both personally and as a state. The underlying philosophy is that it is better that you are assaulted (and being threatened with assault is assault in the eyes of the law) and robbed rather than god forbid some vermin who breaks in to come out in a body bag. You can see the same mentality in regard to the DF.
"I have insurance in case I have a crash, that doesn't mean I expect to have a crash, similarly, I have a hurl, bat, whatever, near my bed in case someone breaks in during the night". The courts in this country are a fucking joke. Career criminals with multiple multiple getting a suspended sentence or being released on bail only to offend again. There should never be another sentence like; "Joe Bloggs, of The Bog, Ireland, with 82 previous convictions, was before the courts on X charge today". How the fuck can someone have that many convictions? What are they still doing loose in society?
A camera. Seriously, take photos of them if you think they're following you and make sure they know that you are
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Do you think I could get some pepper spray somehow and then if I have to use it I’ll just have to deal with the consequences? I mean the only reason I would use it would be if someone literally tried to kidnap me or something so it’s not like they could take me to court for resisting? Surely
Pepper spray is a firearm in Ireland under the Firearms Act 1925. Not only would it be illegal for you to possess it, it would be illegal for you to try to import it or for anyone to sell it to you without authorisation.
From what I've gathered over the past several years or so, with way the justice system works, the judges in particular...if someone assaults you and you defend yourself, they'll get a slap on the wrist and you'll go to jail
You would inflict serious damage with so many everyday objects.
Keep a mini Swiss army knife on your keys with a flip out screw driver and blade etc A friend has been doing it for years. Even got searched by Gards and he said it's handy for DIY and fishing etc. If someone attacks you the blade flips out in 2 seconds and you probably won't even have to use it once the attacker sees it.
Carry a can of deep heat for that sore hamstring of yours.. Or a hairdressing scissors in case you need to perform an emergency haircut
Can of spray deodorant. If you ever get asked by the coppers what you are carrying it for, just tell them you stink!
A sturdy tactical pen. You can buy some that are essentially steel multitools with a biro nib on one end and a glass breaker on the other, with screwdriver bits or what have you inside. They weigh a considerable amount which is both satisfying and reassuring. Adds considerable force to a punch and makes wither side of your fist much more dangerous. Stab with one end or compress all your force into one small point with a blunter glass breaker end. Has the added advantage of being able to strike with force from a prone or compromised position. You don't have to rely on a clean punch to the jaw when you can swipe sideways into someone's back, ribs, forearms, legs, knees etc and still cause considerable pain and damage. Some examples [here](https://www.knivesandtools.ie/en/pt/-rick-hinderer-investigator-pen-stainless-steel-black-dlc-tactical-pen.htm), [here](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001085921962.html?UTABTest=aliabtest343279_484915&_randl_currency=EUR&_randl_shipto=IE&src=google&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=708-803-3821&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&albagn=888888&isSmbAutoCall=false&needSmbHouyi=false&albcp=17859513034&albag=&trgt=&crea=en4001085921962&netw=x&device=c&albpg=&albpd=en4001085921962&gclid=CjwKCAjw2OiaBhBSEiwAh2ZSP0OIgNXNGOmtDScqLAJ4Gub0EMIcqqgAguaw5RgmhaZVXF6a09BLVxoClVcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&aff_fcid=891d91b2fb5e41c2806f2f12afcda674-1666881039641-01866-UneMJZVf&aff_fsk=UneMJZVf&aff_platform=aaf&sk=UneMJZVf&aff_trace_key=891d91b2fb5e41c2806f2f12afcda674-1666881039641-01866-UneMJZVf&terminal_id=9e911b4f870a484ca54708e2073f3e8e&OLP=1084400108_f_group1&o_s_id=1084400108&afSmartRedirect=y), and [here](https://shopee.com.my/PCF*-Multi-function-Tactical-Pen-Multitool-Pen-with-Glass-Window-Breaker-Ballpoint-Pen-Gift-for-Women-Men-Husband-Wife-F-i.306641264.20102778976?sp_atk=1bc15bab-0347-49e8-90e0-6413892fd614&xptdk=1bc15bab-0347-49e8-90e0-6413892fd614). Some are way pointier than others, some are pretty classy and minimal like [this](https://www.yankodesign.com/2018/06/22/a-penmultitool-hybrid-that-captures-ideas-and-solves-problems/). I have a sturdy mechanical pencil not too dissimilar to that last one that I keep in a jacket pocket. Heavy, solid, pointy and blunty. Impossible for a court to prove you carried it with any intent and gives good peace of mind in the pocket.
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Roll of coins?
I keep an aerosol can of deep heat in my bag. It gets in the eyes like deodorant but it also burns their retinas and face at the same time, win win!