A farmer who shot and killed a teenager suspected of trying to burgle his home will not face any charges, say prosecutors. Rob Lomas, 52, had been arrested on suspicion of murder after Marcus Smith, 19, was found dead at the property in the Peak District in May 2024.
The incident occurred at a remote country lane in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, where police had been called to reports of a break-in at the farm. Officers found Mr. Smith with fatal injuries inside the property and another man seriously hurt in the road outside. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment and arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary. A third suspect was also arrested on suspicion of the same offence after being stopped by police in a vehicle on the A6, near Chapel-en-le-Frith, several hours later.
The case has drawn comparisons with that of Tony Martin, the farmer who shot dead a teenage intruder at his isolated Norfolk home in 1999. Martin was jailed in 2000 for the murder of Fred Barras, 16, and for injuring 29-year-old Brendon Fearon in the same incident. However, the decision to drop charges against Lomas has been made in accordance with the law surrounding the householder's rights to defend themselves. Janine McKinney, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, said, "After careful analysis of all the evidence gathered during the police investigation, our prosecutors have decided that there will be no criminal charges in relation to the death of Marcus Smith or the serious injury of another male."
Three men will face proceedings for burglary in relation to the incident and a burglary at the same property the night before. The law allows individuals to use reasonable force to defend themselves, others, and their property if threatened with violence. In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service said it had decided Lomas would not face criminal charges in relation to the death of one intruder and serious injuries to another on his property. The decision has been met with a mixed reaction, with some supporting Lomas' right to defend himself, while others have expressed concern over the use of lethal force.
The case has highlighted the complexities of homeowners' rights and the use of force in self-defense. The law is clear: individuals have the right to defend themselves and their property, but the use of lethal force must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat. In this case, the decision to drop charges against Lomas has been made in accordance with the law. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks and consequences of using lethal force in self-defense. The incident will likely be closely watched by lawmakers and law enforcement agencies, who will be examining the case to see if there are any lessons to be learned.
Source: Daily Mail
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