Funeral arrangements made for Norfolk farmer Tony Martin

Funeral arrangements have been announced for renowned Norfolk farmer Tony Martin following his death at the age of 80 after suffering a major stroke.

Mr Martin gained national attention in 1999 after he shot and killed 16-year-old burglar Fred Barras during a break-in at his remote Norfolk farmhouse in Emneth Hungate, near Wisbech.

His accomplice, 29-year-old Brendan Fearon, was seriously injured after the farmer fired his pump-action shotgun at the pair three times.

See also: Norfolk farmer Tony Martin dies aged 80

Mr Martin became famous after he was convicted of murder in 2000, but his sentence was reduced on appeal to manslaughter.

But he served three years in prison after refusing to show remorse for his actions.

His case sparked fierce national debate about the rights of homeowners to defend themselves from intruders.

In recent weeks, Mr Fearon – now a reformed criminal – told the Daily Mirror that he did not “blame” Mr Martin for his injury or the death of his accomplice.

Mr Martin’s friend and supporter, Malcolm Starr, told Farmers Weekly that Mr Martin’s funeral will be held at 10am on Tuesday 25 February at Mintlyn Crematorium, Kings Lynn, Norfolk.

His funeral reception will follow at about 11.30am at Knights Hill Hotel in Kings Lynn.

“After being released from prison, Tony travelled extensively, visiting people across the country who had written to him during his time in custody,” said Mr Starr.

“Many of those letters came from farmers, and anyone who met him during his travels or made his acquaintance would be warmly welcomed at his reception.”