""I was told by a resident that if I or Jacqui was mugged I did not have the right to deck that bastard. He can commit robbery but I can't commit assault.""

He/she sadly misinformed you.

UK law recognises the use of "reasonable force" in self defence or defence of another person or persons.

If your mugger uses his fists, you are perfectly at liberty to defend with fists and feet as necessary. What you can't do is belt him with a baseball bat, stick a knife in him, or shoot him.

If however he has a gun you may use whatever you have to hand to fend him off, but you can't continue to attack if he turns tail and runs. That is no longer defensive action.

Richard Bridge could expand on that considerably (and probably point out some errors in my post), but your informant is wrong to imply that you have NO right to defend yourself.

Were that the case, the muggers would only need to line up and lift your wallet as you walk past.

Don T.