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| Britain |
| UK: Tony Martin refused leave ’because of risk to burglars’ |
| 2003-07-22 |
| Edited for brevity. Tony Martin, the farmer who killed a criminal who broke into his house, has been denied a preparatory home visit before his release on parole next week because he is considered to be a "danger to burglars". This is a bad thing? In a meeting last week with the wing governor at his prison and Annette Stewart, his probation officer, Martin was told that he had been refused a trial three-day home release because the authorities felt that he might reoffend even during that short space of time. "Reoffend" = "Have the audacity to defend himself from violent attack" It is normal practice for prisoners awaiting release to be given a few days outside to introduce them gradually to the prospect of regaining their liberty. It had been thought that Martin had previously not been given the home visit because of fears over the security of his property. Concerns have been raised about Martin’s safety after his life was threatened by friends of the teenager he killed. Ms Stewart has previously written a report on Martin which was submitted to the Parole Board before its ruling in January. In it she said that Martin’s support base in the country had made him more likely to reoffend. "This is a case which has attracted immense and ongoing media attention and public interest," she wrote. "I believe this has had an impact on Mr Martin’s own perceptions of his behaviour and his right to inflict punishment on those whom he perceives to be a threat to his own security. Indeed this may have contributed to his justification of the offending. This encapsulation of his views has served to disallow any rational contemplation by Mr Martin of his crimes and he does not express any remorse for the death of one so young." If you’re being viciously attacked by someone younger than you, you should just laugh it off as youthful hijinks. Martin was convicted of murdering Barras, 16, and wounding his accomplice, Brendan Fearon, 33, during a burglary at the farmer’s home in Emneth Hungate, Norfolk, in August 1999. This was reduced on appeal to manslaughter. He became eligible for early release last autumn, at the discretion of the Parole Board, after having served half of his sentence. There is a Support Tony Martin website to free him, but I’d also like to see him free, if he wishes, to emigrate to the US where his right to self-defense will be recognized and respected. |
| Posted by:Dar |
| #18 Better to be judged by 12 then carried by 6. Looks like Mr. Martin's philosophy too. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2003-7-22 10:43:29 PM |
| #17 The NRA's monthly magazine has been following this case and "self-defense" in the UK. The standard is : no defense; if attacked, just fall down and let them beat the crap out of you! Would Martin be kept from even visiting the USA because of his "criminal" record? |
| Posted by: OldeForce 2003-7-22 8:34:41 PM |
| #16 And don't forget it is the Australian PM, John Howard who disarmed the country a few years ago. He is on record as saying it it unacceptable for an Australian ever to use a gun to defend himself. But the little turkey is a lawyer and unfortunately, way the best political choice we have right now. |
| Posted by: Aussie Mike 2003-7-22 6:39:43 PM |
| #15 And don't forget it is the Australian PM, John Howard who disarmed the country a few years ago. He is on record as saying it it unacceptable for an Australian ever to use a gun to defend himself. But the little turkey is a lawyer and unfortunately, way the best political choice we have right now. |
| Posted by: Aussie Mike 2003-7-22 6:39:20 PM |
| #14 Samizdata.net has comments on this. One point being that he in one sense could be considered a political prisoner. --In it she said that Martin’s support base in the country had made him more likely to reoffend. "This is a case which has attracted immense and ongoing media attention and public interest," she wrote. -- |
| Posted by: Anonymous 2003-7-22 4:57:23 PM |
| #13 Bulldog - No sweat - it's not your doing - we know you're a smart and principled man who can tell shit from shinola. You'd be welcome in the Colonies. And the chicks would go for your accent, too. Don't underestimate the value inherent in being different from the average! Steve - and if he crawls out the front door, just drag him back inside, shoot him again, and hose off the walk & porch. Wait for it to dry - one cup of coffee is about right. Then call cops. |
| Posted by: PD 2003-7-22 2:53:59 PM |
| #12 Remember,though,the man responsible for this shit is none other than Tony Blair.UK is not a federal state like the US,nor is government power tempered by an elaborate constitution of checks and balances like yours.If Blair and the Labor Party wanted to change the law,they could do so anytime. |
| Posted by: El Id 2003-7-22 2:23:21 PM |
| #11 Heh, Hodadenon. Nope, I'm still here. Too ashamed to comment... His parole officer says Martin might re-offend... He's being sued by a man who entered his home to steal his property... What can you say? |
| Posted by: Bulldog 2003-7-22 2:20:37 PM |
| #10 Makes me glad I live in Texas (motto - make sure the entry wound is in the front before calling the cops). |
| Posted by: Steve 2003-7-22 2:20:14 PM |
| #9 Bernard Getz. Payback. Let the assholes be afraid, for a change. |
| Posted by: PD 2003-7-22 2:00:53 PM |
| #8 Hey, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves here. The U.N. is trying to outlaw guns in the US, and the Dems are fighting tooth and nail to keep Judicial Activism in play, so they can bring this type of enlightened jurisprudence to a courtroom near you. How come no comment from Bulldog? Is he OK, or has he been jailed for unlawful possession of an opinion? |
| Posted by: Hodadenon 2003-7-22 1:59:20 PM |
| #7 It must be noted that the Tony Martin case has reinvigorated the question of self-defence against criminals. I don't know why the verdict was reached but the case of the Columbian diplomat found not guilty of the murder of a mugger may be relevant. |
| Posted by: A 2003-7-22 1:47:48 PM |
| #6 "'Elpin' people, like..." |
| Posted by: mojo 2003-7-22 12:26:40 PM |
| #5 Groovy horrorshow! Clockwork Orange has arrived in Jolly Old England thanks to Ms. Stewart and the British "justice" system. Mebbee Alex and his pals could have a go around with Ms. Stewart. |
| Posted by: Craig 2003-7-22 11:52:51 AM |
| #4 I can see the TCU in Britain organizing the criminal element now. I find this whole story amazing. And, perhaps I would gain a small measure of satisfaction if Ms. Stewart were mugged. |
| Posted by: Jim K 2003-7-22 11:43:13 AM |
| #3 First of all, the guy Martin shot wasn't just a burglar, he was a Cat Burglar. And very handsome. Cat Burglars are very honorable. His accomplice, the Fearon chap, is a highly skilled safe cracker and those guys are hard to replace. You let this cowboy Martin go what sort of message are you sending to the public. I say "rot in rubbish you gun slinger, you killed a Cat Burglar!" |
| Posted by: Lucky 2003-7-22 11:39:47 AM |
| #2 that guy fearon is actually suing claiming that Tony Martin ruined his sex life when he shot him. There was a program on the BBC (yes that commie entity) last night Real Story about just this subject. There is an increasing number of criminals claiming that since burglary is their work they have the right to safe working conditions and increasingly end up suing their victims. What complete utter Fucking Bullshit I know, but I wouldn't be surprised if the European court of human rights would actually agree. |
| Posted by: rg117 2003-7-22 11:13:00 AM |
| #1 Unbelievable. Whither goest thou, Britania? |
| Posted by: mojo 2003-7-22 10:58:49 AM |