I acted in self-defence says disabled robbery victim
A DISABLED man who used CS spray to fight off a robber is now facing the threat of legal action.
Wheelchair-bound Nicholas Ashworth, aged 22, sprayed his alleged attacker in the face with the CS spray.
He then climbed out of his wheelchair and limped across the road as the man screamed in pain. A passing police patrol spotted him in distress and stopped at the scene. Officers then arrested both men.
Today after being released on police bail pending further inquiries -- which could result in police prosecution -- Mr
Ashworth defended his use of the CS spray. He said he bought it to protect himself after being attacked in Bridgeman Street three weeks ago. On that occasion his attacker hit him in the face before pinning him back in his chair. The man then rifled through his pockets and stole £100.
Mr Ashworth, of Fletcher Street, Bolton -- who can walk just a short distance without his wheelchair -- said the incident left him feeling vulnerable.
Only days later he used it when a would-be robber confronted him as Mr Ashworth made his way to a nearby supermarket.
Mr Ashworth said the attacker held a knife at his throat and threatened to stab him. When he refused to hand over his money the man pushed him across the road and into bushes on the other side of the carriageway.
He said when he was threatened again he grabbed the CS canister and sprayed the man in the face.
He said: "I knew it was wrong and against the law but in my view I was acting in self defence. I thought the man was going to kill me.
"It is a sad state of affairs that disabled people like me have to carry such things like CS sprays for protection."
A police spokesman said that they were investigating the illegal use and possession of CS spray. He also revealed that a man was on police bail pending further inquiries into the attempted robbery of Mr Ashworth.
A DISABLED man who used CS spray to fight off a robber is now facing the threat of legal action.
Wheelchair-bound Nicholas Ashworth, aged 22, sprayed his alleged attacker in the face with the CS spray.
He then climbed out of his wheelchair and limped across the road as the man screamed in pain. A passing police patrol spotted him in distress and stopped at the scene. Officers then arrested both men.
Today after being released on police bail pending further inquiries -- which could result in police prosecution -- Mr
Ashworth defended his use of the CS spray. He said he bought it to protect himself after being attacked in Bridgeman Street three weeks ago. On that occasion his attacker hit him in the face before pinning him back in his chair. The man then rifled through his pockets and stole £100.
Mr Ashworth, of Fletcher Street, Bolton -- who can walk just a short distance without his wheelchair -- said the incident left him feeling vulnerable.
Only days later he used it when a would-be robber confronted him as Mr Ashworth made his way to a nearby supermarket.
Mr Ashworth said the attacker held a knife at his throat and threatened to stab him. When he refused to hand over his money the man pushed him across the road and into bushes on the other side of the carriageway.
He said when he was threatened again he grabbed the CS canister and sprayed the man in the face.
He said: "I knew it was wrong and against the law but in my view I was acting in self defence. I thought the man was going to kill me.
"It is a sad state of affairs that disabled people like me have to carry such things like CS sprays for protection."
A police spokesman said that they were investigating the illegal use and possession of CS spray. He also revealed that a man was on police bail pending further inquiries into the attempted robbery of Mr Ashworth.
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