He would also be welcome in the Commonwealth of Virginia, where we have concealed carry. I would suggest he settle in the Shenandoah valley. Even if the burglar knows where he is, there will be plenty of us Virginians who will watch his back.
Posted on 09/20/2003 11:37:27 AM PDT by UnklGene
Wounded burglar offers to drop claim against farmer
The burglar wounded by farmer Tony Martin has offered to end his attempts to gain compensation through the courts, it has emerged.
Brendan Fearon's lawyers have written to Martin's legal team offering to drop the legal action.
Malcolm Starr, who led the campaign for Martin's release from prison, said the farmer had yet to study the offer in detail but was likely to agree.
"Fearon's solicitors have written to Martin's solicitors offering to drop the claim for compensation," said Mr Starr. What they are offering is that Fearon will drop his claim if Tony also drops his counterclaim for damages suffered during the break in.
"I haven't had chance to discuss this with Tony yet and I don't think he has had the chance to discuss it with his solicitor, but I think he will agree. Tony has always said that he would fight this all the way rather than allow Fearon to get any money. But I think he would accept this offer."
Fearon was receiving legal aid in his fight for compensation - although Martin was challenging the burglar's right to public funds as part of his counterclaim.
A national newspaper has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Martin's legal fund. Mr Starr said part of Fearon's proposal was that money raised for Martin's legal fees could be diverted to charity.
News that Fearon was suing for compensation attracted widespread public criticism and led to calls for changes in the law to prevent burglars benefiting from their crimes.
Martin, 58, shot and wounded Fearon in August 1999. The farmer confronted Fearon and his accomplice, 16-year-old Fred Barras, in his home in Emneth Hungate. He opened fire on the burglars, killing Barras and wounding Fearon, who is now 33, in the groin.
Martin was originally convicted of murder and jailed for life. That conviction was downgraded to manslaughter on appeal and Martin was given a five- year sentence. He was released from prison in July after serving two thirds of that sentence.
How could the country that brought us the Magna Charta sink so low?
If someone on FR were to organize a drive to pay Mr. Martin's way to the U.S. so that he could settle in some civillised state, like Texas or Arizona, I vow I would contribute.
Ah, the joys of being a subject rather than a citizen
It is essential for Martin not to drop his counter claims.
Though Fearon is undoubtedly without assets, defending this case will cost the government money. In these times of tight government budgets, this will draw attention to bankrupt liberal policies.
He would also be welcome in the Commonwealth of Virginia, where we have concealed carry. I would suggest he settle in the Shenandoah valley. Even if the burglar knows where he is, there will be plenty of us Virginians who will watch his back.
I did not mean to slight any state when I named Texas and Arizona. They just happened to be the first two that came to mind while I was typing my response.
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