Tony Martin (farmer)
Tony Martin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Anthony Edward Martin 16 December 1944 Wisbech, England |
| Died | 2 February 2025 (aged 80) King's Lynn, England |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Known for | Sparking nationwide debate on self-defence rights |
| Motive | To defend his home from burglars |
| Criminal charge | Murder (changed to manslaughter on appeal) |
| Penalty | Life imprisonment with a recommended minimum term of 9 years (reduced to 8 years, then on appeal to 5 years for manslaughter with a 3-year concurrent sentence for wounding) |
| Details | |
| Victims | Brendon Fearon (injured) Fred Barras (killed) |
| Date | 20 August 1999 |
| Locations | Emneth Hungate, England |
| Killed | 1 |
| Injured | 1 |
| Weapons | Pump action Winchester Model 1300 12-gauge shotgun |
Anthony Edward Martin (16 December 1944 – 2 February 2025) was an English farmer who shot at two burglars in his home on 20 August 1999. One burglar died at the scene and the other escaped injured. There was sympathy for Martin from people who supported the right to defend their own homes, but prosecutors cast doubt on his evidence and pointed out that he did not have a valid firearms certificate. He was convicted of murder, which was later reduced to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, and served three years in prison after being denied parole.