Farmer won’t be sued for shooting intruders

JAILED British farmer Tony Martin was yesterday said to be “terrifically relieved” at news that a damages bid by the burglar he shot had failed.

Malcolm Starr, who has led the campaign for Martin's freedom, said the farmer now wanted the law changed to prevent such a situation arising again.

Mr Starr said Martin's lawyers had contacted him to say that a planned legal action by burglar Brendon Fearon had failed.

"Tony has probably had more letters about this issue of him being sued for damages than he did after the original shooting incident.

"He does want the law changed to stop this happening again. And I think the average person on the street would also feel it is ridiculous that the law allows someone like Fearon to seek damages from someone like Tony in this sort of situation," said Mr Starr.

Martin, 58, shot and wounded Fearon, 33, during a break-in at his isolated home in Emneth Hungate, Norfolk, in August 1999. Martin also shot dead Fearon's 16-year-old accomplice Fred Barras after confronting the pair in his farmhouse late at night.

Fearon and Barras plus a third man had driven 60 miles from their homes in Newark, Nottinghamshire, in the hope of stealing antiques from Martin's home.

Martin, originally convicted of murder and jailed for life, on appeal had the conviction reduced to manslaughter. He is serving a five-year sentence, and is due for release in July, but is trying to persuade the Parole Board to free him sooner.

Fearon, jailed for his part in the raid on Martin's home, has more than 30 criminal convictions.

He was given legal aid to launch a claim for damages as a result of being shot. He alleged his wounds had affected his ability to enjoy sex and that he had suffered post-traumatic stress.

Mr Starr said the claim collapsed following a hearing at Nottingham Co Court where a judge ruled Fearon failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify his claim.

"It seems ludicrous that people like Fearon can get legal aid to pursue this kind of action," said Mr Starr.

Fearon is serving an 18- month prison sentence after being convicted in February of supplying heroin.