Martin may run as MP
Farmer Tony Martin – imprisoned for shooting dead a teenage burglar in his home – is “seriously” contemplating running as an MP at the next general election.
Martin was sent down for shooting dead 16-year-old Fred Barras, who had entered Bleak House, his isolated Norfolk home, in August 1999.
He also shot Barras’s accomplice Brenan Fearon in the leg.
The public supported Martin even though the farmer was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The charge and sentence were later reduced on appeal to five years for manslaughter.
He was freed six months ago.
The 59-year old said: “Everywhere I go people tell me how they are living in fear. But none of the political parties seem to be prepared to do anything about it.
“I want to give people a voice and get something done.
“I’ve never wanted to be in the spotlight but a lot of people do seem to see me as some sort of champion – even though it is not a role I have ever sought.”
Should Martin stand for Parliament, he said he would be campaigning on “a return to law and order and decency” ticket.
