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Shot dead at 16

By NICK BARBER

A life of petty crime led teenager Fred Barras to his death on a Norfolk farm. 

Barras (16) of Devon Road, Newark, died from shotgun wounds during a suspected burglary at Bleak House Farm, Emneth, on Friday (27/08/99).

Without condoning the boy's motives for being in Norfolk, his family said he should not have died in such tragic circumstances.

"We know Fred was a petty thief but he didn't deserve to die at 16 years old," said his uncle, Mr Tony Joynes, who also lives at Devon Road.

"If he had been given a good hiding that would have been understandable. I don't agree with him breaking the law but he should not have been shot.

"I think it is tragic that he has been caught up in this as it is a waste of a young life."

Fred Barras's parents divorced when he was a baby and he was brought up as the only son among six children by his mother, Mrs Ellen Barras.

He went to Oliver Quibell Infants and Hawtonville Junior schools before going up to Sconce Hills High School.

He was expelled from there when he was 12 and did not go back to school.

Instead he worked on markets in Newark and Lincoln. His hobbies were fishing and camping with his friends.

But Barras had already been involved in a number of petty crimes. He was arrested for alleged theft only last week and had a string of convictions for similar offences.

Mr Joynes said that despite his record the boy was harmless and became involved in crime through the influence of others.

"To be honest there is not a lot for teenagers to do round here so they hang around the shops at night and can easily get caught up in crime," said Mr Joynes.

"If there were more facilities for young people and places for them to go then they would be less likely to get into trouble.

"Ellen has done the best job anyone could do. Fred never went without food, clothes or toys and his mother gave him everything she could."

When her son went out on Friday (27/08/99) Mrs Barras thought he was staying over at a friend's house. The family said they had no idea he was going to Norfolk.

"Then on Saturday the police came to say he had been shot," said Mr Joynes.

The family is now waiting for the police to release the body.

"We have no idea how long they are going to hold his body," said Mr Joynes. "We want him back so we can have a funeral in Newark.

"We just cannot put this to rest until he has been buried. Only then we can start coming to terms with it."

Mrs Barras had been unwell before her son's death. She is now under sedation and is being comforted by her daughters and other relatives.

But she said her son was "a lovable rogue" who was always up to mischief.

Mrs Barras said: "He had just got in with the wrong crowd and was easily led. He wasn't a bad lad. I can't believe this has happened. Everyone loved him very much.

"It was awful when the police came on Saturday evening. They took us down to Norfolk and we had to identify my boy's body."

Childhood friend Luke Smith (17) of Devon Road said everyone who knew Fred was still in shock.

"It is such a shame. Me and Fred used to hang out together most days as he was a travelling boy like myself," said Luke.

He admitted Fred was a petty thief but said he was harmless and would not hurt anybody.

"He did not deserve to die like this. Fred had a heart of gold and it was a big shock to the family. He was the only boy so they are heartbroken."

His aunt Ann Ball said: "I know Fred had got into a bit of trouble in the past and, like any young lad, he knew some bad people.

"Still you do not think something as bad as this is going to happen."

Brendan Fearon (29) was with Fred and is in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, being treated for shotgun injuries to his legs and groin.

His parents, Mr and Mrs Joe Fearon, of Mercia Road, Newark, told the Advertiser: "The family are all shocked and upset about Fred and Brendan.

"We would like to send our condolences to Fred's family. Fred was a lovely young and lively boy and regardless of why he was out at Norfolk, he didn't deserve to die."

Brendan Fearon underwent surgery on Monday and is said to be in shock at the death of his friend. He is likely to remain in hospital for several weeks.

"Brendan and Fred may have been rogues but anybody who knew them knew they were good and kind lads and they wouldn't have hurt anyone," said Mr and Mrs Fearon.

ABOVE: Mrs Ellen Barras clutches a picture of her dead son

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