Bensonby
Am I right in understanding that your link to the Offences against the Person Act implies that it is permissible to set a 'spring gun, man trap, or other engine calculated to destroy human life or inflict grievous bodily harm' to protect a dwelling house so long as this is only done between sunset and sunrise?

Surprising if true, but a possible business opportunity here! Modern technology should make it possible to enable and disable the equipment at the appropriate hours automatically.