Hey O Sung Wu,
Thanks for the earlier info, and yes it did help to explain things.

See "Flashlight Scam: Shadowhawk X800 And Others": http://www.theoutdoornerd.com/2016/02/flashlight-scam-shadowhawk-x800-and.html

I purchased a 3 Watt LED aluminum torch which takes 2 "C" cells, at a discount store for under $20 and it works very well. The beam is very bright at short distances, but I doubt it could be regarded as a weapon. I also have a pocket torch which has a 1 Watt LED and runs off one "AA" battery, which cost less than $10.

For practical purposes I can't see needing anything brighter. If you think a torch is going to stop an attacker, then you really should stay home nights.

Tomw,

".... If you think a torch is going to stop an attacker, then you really should stay home nights."

Then you've never seen a torch that has a function (very rapid high intensity flashes) intended for defence, believe me no one that it is used on can see a thing, they are visually incapacitated.

A welding flash is not good when a person is staring at the job for a minute. Sun flash is best avoided by moving the eyes off to one side then lowering both eyelids towards the lower lids and flick down the sunglasses from above the hairline.

Is Mise,

While I agree with you that the torch you describe should not be defined as a weapon by police or by a Court, as the regulations are written there is considerable room for speculative actions by police and an interpretation by a Court that could go against the owner/possessor.

It is the police who advise policy (and can limit consultation thereon), administer, interpret and enforce the regulations.

The consequences of being found to be in possession of, let alone have used, a 'weapon', are severe. Some here appear to be either naive about that or frivolous in not placing a high value on their good character. It can and will have flow-on effects elsewhere in life.

The seller or the intending purchaser is obliged by the Regulations to obtain a statement in writing from the police that it is not deemed by police to be a weapon in the State of residence and from the relevant police commissioner wherever it is intended to be held.

Testing for a land-mine by stepping on it is always ill-advised.

Ipswich Magistrate Barry Cosgrove said "If you're employment requires you to own a knife, you need to make sure it is secured in a toolbox or something,". Swords and bread knives ought to be in the basket and don't flash the torch in Mr Plod's face to see if he's focused on the job. Keep the fire extinguisher in a belt loop or under your hat.