i didn't so much 'let her have it'  as ask her to 'let go of him' as she had him by the arm. he's told me he doesn't like it very clearly and a i have to consider his wishes. thanks for the opinions 🙂

Good on you LL, that was so rude of her to touch your child like that.  He is not public property and I'm pleased you protected him.  To many weird people out there to let our young ones think it's ok to trust strangers.  Unfortunately I think that also needs consideration in this day and age. 

You don't want him to think it's ok for strangers to just walk up and be grabbing at him.  I don't think you did anything wrong at all.