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Shooting case switched

By DANIEL CHURCHER

A court hearing for a farmer accused of killing a Newark teenager was switched to avoid clashes beyween his supporters and people connected with the dead youth. 

Farmer Tony Martin, of Bleak House Farm, Emneth, Norfolk, was due to appear at King's Lynn Magistrates' Court, but the case was shifted to Norwich.

Mr Martin is accused of shooting Fred Barras (16) of Devon Road on Friday, August 20, and causing grievous bodily harm to Brendon Fearon (29) of Mercia Road, Newark.

Mr Fearon and another man suspected of involvement in the alleged burglary, who has not been named, have been interviewed by detectives and released on police bail until later this month.

Mr Martin (54) was refused bail when he appeared on Wednesday and was remanded into custody for a week.

A spokesman for Norfolk police said: "We have to respect that relatives and friends of the deceased will have their interest and, as proceedings to date have proven, there are members of the public who clearly support the defendant.

"It is not our place to take sides but it is our sole priority to ensure the legal process continues unhindered."

He would not say if Norfolk police were investigating alleged death threats against Mr Martin.

A funeral date for Fred Barras has not been fixed as his body has not been released by Norfolk police.

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