Rustyjohn .... I'm sure that in your own mind you were right, but the fact that you went outside as an invitation to fight, and then used a weapon which you had concealed on your person will not go down well in the eyes of the law. I have a lot of criminal court experience, and you really should expect a prison sentence on this one ! You can't use a counter-claim of harrasment as an excuse for serious assault / gbh, and the time to do something about your claim was PRIOR to this incident.