ChesterPFX

Need to know know where you stand with this mate. Topic title is 'Cautioned for ABH' but in the post you said that the kids parents have pressed charges and you've now got to go to court. Being cautioned for an offence means that you have been arrested, interviewed, that you admit commiting the offence and it was decided to deal with it 'by way of caution'. You would not then be required to attend court as the matter has been dealt with.
You would only go to court if you have been arrested and interviewed and the police have decided to charge you with with the offence.
If you have been cautioned - well there's no point giving any advice because it's all finished. If you haven't been arrested but think you will be, ensure you take the option on booking in of 'free independant legal advice' (that will be the duty solicitor) and make sure you tell them the truth during your consultation.
If you were nicked and didn't take legal advice - why not!!??
If you have been charged and bailed to appear to Magistrates court, get legal representation now; ever heard the phrase "a defendant who represents himself has a fool for a client"?

You will need to prove that your actions were justified and that you had an 'honest held belief' that you were in danger and that your force was proportionate to the threat. You will need to descibe their actions, the number of them, their physical sizes and demenour. An independant witness would help too.

The part where I can see you coming unstuck is the fact that you chased them. It is very difficult to plead self defence if you chase someone - see where I'm coming from? You will need to prove that you were pursuing them to arrest them for commiting an arrestable offence and on catching up with them, they turned on you.

Good luck.

Here is a bit about my new system

Who decides who pushes the button/lights the fuse??

Dee

Normally rock paper scissors but sometimes it comes down to a death match
Way before the display date we decide who is the display manager and who is going to crew. Normally the most experienced firer will act as display manager and fire the show but depending on the show one of the newer crew might fire it under supervision (sometimes of course, all you do is press one button and the programme takes over but you still have to hang over the box and watch the firing like a hawk)

Of course if it's hand firing, the newest firer deals with the biggest shells.

Are you interested in set up photography too or just the actual display?

Ha ha, have just finnished my new 36 cue firing panel. Photos and description to follow.......

Jon,

Fantastic travelogue, it's left me very envious and wishing I could figure a way of following in your footsteps. Perhaps you'd think about arranging a BPS tour with you acting as guide?