Man charged over killing of `burglar'

A FARMER appeared in court yesterday accused of the murder of a suspected burglar. Tony Martin, 54, of Bleak House farmhouse, Emneth, Norfolk, was remanded in custody for eight days by magistrates at King's Lynn, Norfolk.

Mr Martin was accused of murdering Fred Barras, 16, and causing grievous bodily harm to Brendon Fearon, 29. Mr Martin spoke only to confirm his name and to tell the court that he understood the charges. There was no application for bail during the 10-minute hearing.

Mr Barras came from Newark, Nottinghamshire. It is believed that his body was found on ground behind Martin's Victorian farmhouse. Mr Fearon, also from Newark, suffered gunshot wounds to the leg in the same incident. He is being treated at a hospital in King's Lynn.

Mr Fearon and another man, who was arrested in Emneth early on Saturday but has not been named, have both been questioned by detectives. They have been released without charge on police bail until next month, pending further inquiries.

Mr Martin, a bachelor, was arrested in Wisbech early on Saturday morning and was charged on Monday night after being held in police custody for 60 hours. He spoke clearly to court officials and smiled at friends. He wore a blue jumper, his grey hair was swept back and he was clean- shaven.

He will reappear before magistrates at King's Lynn on 1 September.