Brendan Fearon reflects on the infamous 1999 incident at Tony Martin’s isolated farm, where he was shot and wounded. The incident resulted in the death of Fearon’s accomplice, 16-year-old Fred Barras. Fearon recently broke his 20-year silence, stating that he holds no anger or bitterness towards Martin, who passed away at the age of 80. Fearon, now 54, expressed sadness over Martin’s death, acknowledging that Martin may have suffered as much as he has due to the events that unfolded at the farmhouse.
Fearon revealed that the shooting did not deter his criminal activities initially, but he has since reformed. He emphasised that life has not been kind to him, but he recognises the tragedy of Fred Barras losing his life in the botched burglary attempt. Fearon understands Martin’s actions in protecting his home, although he believes shooting someone dead is wrong. Despite the lingering pain from his injuries, Fearon harbours no animosity towards Martin and expresses remorse for the loss of Fred Barras’s life.
The incident occurred when Fearon, then 29, and Fred Barras broke into Martin’s property in Norfolk, resulting in Martin fatally shooting Fred and injuring Fearon. Martin was initially convicted of murder in 2000 but had his sentence reduced to manslaughter on appeal due to diminished responsibility. Martin always maintained he acted in self-defence. The high-profile case led to changes in self-defence laws in the UK.
Brendan Fearon continued his criminal activities even after the shooting, serving time for various offences. However, he eventually realised that crime does not pay and has stayed out of trouble for the past 20 years. Despite facing stigma from the case, Fearon has turned his life around, holding various jobs and trying to move past his criminal past. He acknowledges that the public still judges him based on his past actions.
Fearon recounted the night of the burglary attempt, where he found himself injured and in danger. He described the harrowing experience of trying to escape while injured and encountering aggressive Rottweilers on the property. Despite the chaos of the situation, Fearon survived and reflected on the tragic loss of Fred Barras’s life. He underwent reconstructive surgery for his injuries and experienced a long road to recovery.
In a bid to share his story, Fearon has started writing a memoir titled “Is Killing for your Castle Justified?”. He hopes to release the memoir one day to provide insight into the events that transpired at Martin’s farm. Through his interview, Fearon aims to shed light on his journey of rehabilitation, the impact of his criminal past, and his efforts to lead a reformed life.
Brendan Fearon’s story serves as a reminder of the lasting effects of crime and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions. His journey from a life of crime to rehabilitation showcases the possibility of change and redemption, even in the face of past mistakes. Fearon’s reflections offer a glimpse into the complexities of human experiences and the potential for transformation and growth.