Dead of Night

Dead of Night by Peter Whalley

Jack has just been acquitted of manslaughter, and regales his girlfriend Maggie and their neighbours with a disparaging account of the trial.  According to the evidence (most of it Jack’s), the victim, Philip Mercer, had broken in late at night, and, on being confronted by Jack, produced a gun which Jack got hold of during the ensuing struggle and then used to kill Mercer. 

A clear case of self-defence.  Or was it?