Norfolk farmer Tony Martin dies aged 80

Norfolk farmer Tony Martin, who was jailed for shooting a teenage burglar, has died aged 80.

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

Mr Barras died, and his accomplice, 29-year-old Brendan Fearon, was seriously injured after the farmer fired his shotgun at the pair three times.

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Mr Martin’s friend and supporter, Malcolm Starr, confirmed the news of his death, saying that he died on Sunday (2 February) in hospital after suffering a stroke in December.

Mr Starr, who had great respect for his friend, described him as “someone who found it impossible to lie”, adding that “he served time in prison for being someone like that. He’s really a very straight guy from that point of view”.

Mr Martin became a controversial figure in the UK’s ongoing debate about self-defence and property rights.

Initially convicted of murder in 2000, his case sparked fierce national debate about the rights of homeowners to defend themselves from intruders.

However, his conviction was later reduced to manslaughter in 2001 following an appeal, and he was released after serving three years of a life sentence.

Mr Martin stated the intruders got what they deserved and in an interview with the BBC in 2019, he said he “did not have to excuse myself for anything”.

Despite the legal controversy surrounding his actions, Mr Martin remained a symbol for many who believed that rural communities were left vulnerable to crime.

Over time, his case became emblematic of the struggles faced by farmers and landowners in protecting their homes and property.

Mr Martin’s family described him as a “private man” with a deep love for the land and a strong sense of justice.

“He cared deeply about his family, his farm, and his community,” they said in a statement.