Not really replying to the original post, but rather the tone of some of my countrymen:

I don't believe that Dave (Brangdon) is saying that the UK situation is better or worse than USA situation. What I read is his explanation of how he understands UK police and courts view this sort of thing and likely responses in accordance with their laws and judicial system. Some of us arguing with Dave that the UK situation is "________" (fill in the blank) seems silly to me. A fellow UK citizen has "standing" to argue those sorts of things with Dave (in the Campfire forum?). Not us.

My 2 cents.

Regards to everyone,

Tom