Brendon Fearon, who survived being shot by Tony Martin during a 1999 burglary, expresses understanding and forgiveness towards the farmer who killed Fearon's accomplice. Fearon acknowledges the pain inflicted on both sides but emphasizes that Martin acted to protect himself and his home.
Brendon Fearon , the surviving burglar shot by Tony Martin in 1999, has broken his silence after 25 years. In a case that deeply divided the nation, Martin shot and killed 16-year-old Fred Barras, Fearon's accomplice, during a burglary at his remote Norfolk farm. Martin was initially convicted of murder but served three years for manslaughter after the verdict was overturned on appeal.
Fearon, now 54, revealed that he harbors no anger towards Martin, acknowledging that the farmer 'probably suffered as much in his life as I have' since the incident. He stated, 'Life's not been kind to me but it was much crueler to little Fred, who lost his life, and his family. But I have never felt any bitterness or animosity towards that farmer. He did what he had to do to protect himself and his home.' Fearon, who still endures 'terrible pain' from the gunshot wounds he sustained to his legs, expressed understanding for Martin's actions, saying, 'I'm not saying he should have shot someone dead - that's wrong - but he felt persecuted by us and we shouldn't have been there.' Following the shooting, Fearon underwent reconstructive surgery on one leg, while the other reportedly still bears a hole. Martin, who passed away this month at the age of 80 after suffering a stroke, was remembered by a friend, Malcolm Starr, as a 'very eccentric' but 'very straight' individual. Starr, who handled Martin's media relations, reflected on the complexity of the situation, stating, 'How do you know how anyone would react until you're faced with it? I don't think you can predict how you'd act if someone came into your property.' Starr said Martin tried to 'carry on as normal' after his release from prison, sub-contracting most of the farm work and enjoying meeting people.Martin always maintained that those who break into other people's homes deserve whatever they get. The case sparked intense debates about self-defense, gun ownership, and the justice system, leaving a lasting impact on public discourse.
Tony Martin Brendon Fearon Burglary Shooting Forgiveness Justice System Self-Defense
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