Free Talk Live

Frightened householders who over-react when confronted by burglars will get more protection under government plans, the new Justice Secretary will say on Tuesday.

Chris Grayling plans to change the law to ensure even householders who react in a way that may seem disproportionate in the cold light of day will be protected from prosecution.

It comes after Britain's most senior judge reinforced the notion that a person's home is their castle, saying furious householders have the right to get rid of burglars in their homes and are not expected to remain calm when confronted by intruders.