edders23 wrote:
the thing is though that if a fly swat is classed as an offensive weapon almost anything can be
Such as a cloth bag of change? or a pen?
Both are tools of our trade, yet either could be considered an offensive weapon.
Same goes for the Maglite. (Especially up here, where in winter, it's getting dark by 4pm and not fully light until after 9am)
Security guards get issued with these by their employers as a tool of their trade, not as a weapon.
Hammers, Stanley knives and screwdrivers are tools of a joiner's trade.
I doubt he'd be convicted of carrying an offensive weapon if he were taking them to work.
How they choose to use these tools is a different matter.
If they said they were a weapon for self defence, then they are screwed.
We are no different.