Tony Martin, the farmer who shot and killed a burglar in 1999, has died at the age of 80. Martin's case sparked national debate about self-defense and property rights.
Farmer Tony Martin , who shot dead a burglar in 1999, passed away at the age of 80, according to his friend. Martin was initially convicted of murdering 16-year-old Fred Barras, but the verdict was reduced to manslaughter on appeal. He resided alone in his farmhouse in Emneth Hungate, Norfolk , affectionately known as Bleak House, when he encountered Brendon Fearon, then 29, and Barras inside.
Martin discharged his shotgun three times towards the intruders, fatally striking Barras and injuring Fearon. Malcolm Starr, Martin's close friend, informed Sky News that Martin died in the hospital following a stroke. Starr stated, 'Since the incident, it affected him badly. He's at peace at last - he's in a better place. He lost his mother and two aunts who he was close to.' He added, 'He was an eccentric. He once turned up at my office on a tractor wearing a red beret. He just left his farm and thought he'd visit. A month later, we heard someone was shot near him. I said 'I hope it's not Tony'. Now I realise why he couldn't communicate with people - when it was taken to appeal, he was found to have Asperger's. I don't think he's capable of lying. Someone that lied would give the police the wrong story. I would say on his behalf it surely really upset him, but he didn't have any remorse. They invaded his privacy. He had so much turmoil and he never recovered from it. I think he deserves some good publicity. He stuck to his guns and didn't apologise.'Martin initially received a nine-year prison sentence in 2000 but was released three years later following the appeal. His case ignited a national debate concerning the extent to which individuals should be permitted to defend their homes.
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