Unfortunately, here in UK there seems to be a culture whereby the Police come down very hard on a person who defends himself with what they would term 'excessive force'. They seem more eager to arrest and punish a counter-attacker than the protagonist. Even when a burglar breaks in and is threatening (which by his very presence he is) one cannot hit, punch, attack with a weapon etc etc unless he makes the first move and one is in fear of ones life. People have actually been sent to court for ABH, GBH or assault etc for merely defending themselves against what they saw as a menacing attack. There is a move afoot now to reverse this attitude and to give the attacked more leeway in what they are allowed to do.