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Archive - Fred Barras, shot dead at 16

Teenager Fred Barras was shot and killed at the isolated Norfolk farm he had set out to burgle.

The trial and conviction for murder of farmer Tony Martin sparked a national debate on rural policing and the rights of people to defend their property.

Here the Advertiser reports the issues surrounding the case.

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Shot dead at 16 - 27th August 1999
A life of petty crime led teenager Fred Barras to his death on a Norfolk farm.

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Shooting case switched - 3rd September 1999
A court hearing for a farmer accused of killing a Newark teenager was switched to avoid clashes between his supporters and people connected with the dead youth.

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Forget revenge, mourners told - 10th September 1999
Mourners at yesterday's funeral service for Newark teenager Fred Barras were urged to forget all thoughts of revenge.

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Man fails to report to police - 24th September 1999
The third member of a gang alleged to have attempted to burgle Bleak House Farm in Emneth, Norfolk, has left his Newark home.

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Pair admit planning raid - 10th December 1999
The two men who accompanied Newark teenager Fred Barras on the night he was shot dead at a Norfolk farmhouse have admitted conspiracy to burgle.

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Shot boy (16) was in court 28 times - 14th April 2000
The three Newark burglars involved in a bungled break-in at a Norfolk farmhouse, which left one of them dead and another seriously hurt, had more than 100 appearances in the dock between them, a court heard this week.

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Burglar's tears for dead youth - 21st April 2000
Newark burglar Brendan Fearon has told the Advertiser of his shame at leading teenager Fred Barras to his death.

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A short life full of crime - 21st April 2000
A life of petty crime led Newark teenager Fred Barras to his death.

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Father's sorrow for farmer - 21st April 2000
Brendan Fearon's father has every sympathy for Norfolk farmer Tony Martin even though he shot his son.

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No licence for fatal gun - 21st April 2000
The Winchester pump-action shotgun used by Martin is capable of firing five shots before reloading, and users need to be granted a specific firearm licence from the police.

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Charge had to be murder - 21st April 2000
Murder was the only charge which could be brought over the death of Fred Barras, according to the Norwich-based Crown Prosecution Service solicitors who prepared the case.

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A terrified man alone - 21st April 2000
An interview with Tony Martin given to an Advertiser source offers valuable insight into the man himself.

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Family's privacy plea - 21st April 2000
A statement from Barras's parents Fred and Ellen was read to reporters on the court steps.

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Antiques lure travelling thieves - 21st April 2000
Antiques theft is a lucrative business - gangs can travel the length and breadth of the UK on a weekly basis searching out targets and committing break-ins.

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