Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Tony Martin who shot two Newark burglars in 1999 dies at the age of 80




A farmer convicted of shooting two Newark burglars has died at the age of 80.

Tony Martin, of Norfolk, was jailed for fatally shooting Newark teenager Fred Barras, 16, and injuring the then 29-year-old Brendan Fearon in August 1999.

The case created huge controversy and national debate over whether the incident was premeditated or a homeowner just protecting his property.

The two burglars had travelled from Newark to Mr Martin’s home - Bleak House - where he kept antiques..

Tony Martin.JP, JP, JP, JP, JP, JP, JP, JP, JP, JP
Tony Martin.JP, JP, JP, JP, JP, JP, JP, JP, JP, JP

Mr Martin, who later said he had been plagued by burglaries and had lost faith in the police, fired his shotgun as the two attempted to escape through a window.

Fred Barras was found dead the following day, while Fearon was treated in hospital for his injuries.

The farmer was jailed for life in April 2000 for the boy’s murder with 10 years to run concurrently for a wounding offence and a further 12 months for possession of an illegal firearm.

The charge was later reduced to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility and he was released in 2003.

Partly as a result of the case, the Crime And Courts Act was enacted by Parliament, giving people a "householder's defence" if they used reasonable force against an intruder.

According to his friend, Malcolm Starr, Mr Martin died on Sunday afternoon after suffering a stroke some months ago.

Fearon answered a letter written to him by an Advertiser reporter from his jail cell while on remand, in which he gave his account of what happened and expressed his regret at Fred's death.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More