diff --git a/Towny/src/main/java/com/palmergames/bukkit/towny/utils/CombatUtil.java b/Towny/src/main/java/com/palmergames/bukkit/towny/utils/CombatUtil.java
index f9f942cc12..988ebc8445 100644
--- a/Towny/src/main/java/com/palmergames/bukkit/towny/utils/CombatUtil.java
+++ b/Towny/src/main/java/com/palmergames/bukkit/towny/utils/CombatUtil.java
@@ -437,6 +437,9 @@ public static boolean isArenaPlot(TownBlock attackerTB, TownBlock defenderTB) {
 	 * @return true if one of the players is an outlaw in a situation where that matters.
 	 */
 	private static boolean isOutlawInTown(TownBlock defenderTB, Player attackingPlayer, Player defendingPlayer) {
+		if (defenderTB == null)
+			return false;
+		
 		Town town = defenderTB.getTownOrNull();
 		if (town == null)
 			return false;