S11E05 | The Murder of Fred Barras (Emneth Hungate, Norfolk, 1999)

In this episode, I tell the story of Fred Barras, a 16-year-old boy killed in Emneth Hungate, Norfolk, on August 20, 1999. Fred and his friend, 29-year-old Brendon Fearon, were burgling the isolated farmhouse Bleak House when its owner, 54-year-old farmer Tony Martin, caught them in the act and unloaded his shotgun at them. Both men were hit, but only Fred died due to his injuries. Tony was handed a life sentence in April 2000 after being found guilty of murder. His conviction was later reduced to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility in October 2001 after a successful appeal. Receiving a retrospective five-year prison sentence, Tony served just over three and was released in August 2003. Almost a quarter of a century after the shooting at Bleak House, this case remains one of the most divisive in British history. **The following is NOT a sponsored message** If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned that someone you know is, please consider contacting one of the following charities: Refuge (the largest specialist domestic abuse organisation in the UK): 0808 2000 247 Respect (Men's Advice Line): 0808 801 0327 Galop (the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity): 0800 999 5428 Women's Aid (a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children): helpline@womensaid.org.uk REMEMBER - If you are in immediate danger, please call 999! For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/fredbarras Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices