Farmer Tony Martin who shot dead teenage burglar at his Norfolk home dies
Farmer Tony Martin who shot dead teenage burglar at his Norfolk home dies
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Tony Martin sparked a national debate after he killed 16-year-old Fred Barras on his remote farm. Tony Martin - a farmer who shot dead a teenage burglar at his home - has died, a family friend has said. Mr Martin sparked a national debate after he shot and killed 16-year-old Fred Barras on his remote Norfolk farm in 1999. Mr Barras and Brendon Fearon were both shot after the pair entered the farmer’s home with the intention of burglary on August 20.
![[Aerial view of Tony Martin’s land at Emneth, Norfolk.]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/02/02/16/PA-1744234.jpg)
The farmer, who slept with a shotgun under his bed after his home was targeted in a string of burglaries, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison after the jury rejected his claim of self-defence. While many argued that he had the right to defend his home, others branded him a dangerous vigilante. On Sunday, a family friend confirmed his death at aged 80 to the BBC. Mr Martin was released from prison in 2003 after his murder conviction was downgraded to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility.
![[The farmer, who slept with a shotgun under his bed after his home was targeted in a string of burglaries, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison after the jury rejected his claim of self-defence.]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/02/02/16/PA-1783243-%281%29-copy.jpg)
