I caught a pick pocket and got arrested.?

Question

I have just gotton back from a day trip to London. I was near the underground and there was a crowd gathering watching a street magician so I went to have a look. I saw a man aged about 20 unzip a ladys backpack and take out her purse. I grabbed his other arm and put it behind his back and told him to give here it back, she turned around and took it back and thanked me. The young man then violently struggled and ended up I believe breaking his arm. The police arrived and I was arrested for assault, along with the man for theft. Even though the lady and several people argued my case I was taken to a cop shopa nd held for 7 hours. I am from Hull and now the case had been transferred to Hull and I have to appear before a magistrate next week, I was charged with assault and battery, or something similar. Does anyone think this is right, should I have just turned a blind eye.

Answer 1

I think you're a hero...
I wish they wouldn't have treated you so badly..
It is rare to find someone now a days that will stick his neck out to do the right thing.

Answer 2

Sounds like you got a bad rap. Sometimes that happens when you try to help someone out. When this blows over, I'd contact the media and have something done on TV to get your name in the clear in public. This would also let the cops know the support you have and possibly apologize publicly. Hope this all works out for you. Good luck!!!

Answer 3

You did the right thing in stopping the theft. I believe the magistrate will see things and let you go free.
The rest of the human race and I thank you for being a decent human being.

Answer 4

it sux hey these bastards have more right than good law abiding citezins its time someone did something about this in australia a man tried to break into a pub through the roof which gave way and he fell through breaking a few bones he sued the owner of the pub and won go figure. the world has gone mad fight it the good people of the world will be on your side. good on you for being so brave

Answer 5

The legal system in America is just as backwards. I feel for you.

Common sense and common decency dictate that their is a price for thievery: you may go to jail and/or get your arm broke in the process.

I'd like to know how this one turns out. Hopefully common sense will prevail. Anyway, best of luck to you.

Answer 6

You should have axed him in the head , knocked him out , and put him in a man hole. Also - put a little note on his lap so when he wakes , he reads "THOU SHALT NOT STEAL"

This is the problem with our idiotic society . Everyone wants to protect these preditors. We need a new breed of man that is going to proect the protectors.

Answer 7

You did the right thing. He committed a crime, you stopped him, he resisted, you took appropriate action.

I think if the magistrate holds you liable, even when you do present witnesses and the victim, he can go to hell.


Crazy bobbies.

Answer 8

Happens all the time in the US also, you can not use force to detain someone as a citizen arrest or to merely protect property. yes, just watch them steal, or yell and make a ID on them.

The person can also sue you ( in america anyway) for his injury

Answer 9

you better get yourself a lawyer. this is something. when you try to help, you land up getting arrested. that is why people don't want to help others anymore. it is like someone comes into your home to rob you, if they fall over the chair and hurt them self, they can sue you. can you believe that. they come into your home uninvited and they can sue you if they break something. you did the right thing. things will work out for you.

Answer 10

U did the right thing, consider becoming a police officer