Lowlifes exploiting the decline of law & order are advised not to break into the homes of martial artists like Chris Shaw, who can get away with defending their property even in liberal Scotland:

Shaw attacked George Halliday when he tried to break into his home, leaving him soaked in blood with a broken nose.

The 31-year-old armed himself with tools and chased the would-be house breaker down the street wearing only boxer shorts and flip-flops, the Daily Record reports.

The IMF Mauy Thai world champ was told yesterday that his otherwise good character helped him avoid a prison sentence when he appeared for sentencing at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Shaw got 200 hours of community service rather than the commendation he deserves for whacking the thief on the arm with a hammer and then showering him with kicks and punches, but at least it beats a prison sentence. As the authorities tend to side with criminals against the law-abiding, he can count himself lucky.

As for Halliday, his résumé includes heroin addiction and stealing a car used to ferry sick children to the hospital after breaking into the home of a pediatric nurse. Maybe his encounter with Shaw will inspire him to rethink his career.

On a tip from Lyle.