From: Jeremy Peter Howells, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
I suspect a number of things made Martin's case look worse than it
should have to the jury :-
1. His previous statements inpublic about shooting intruders.
2. The incident where he shot at a vehicle containing people who had
been stealing apples (and also why he got his shotgun certificate revoked).
3. Possession and use of an unlicenced shotgun.
4. The forensic evidence that appeared to show he had fired from the
doorway of a downstairs room, rather than the stairway he said he fired from.
Having heard the parents of Fred Barras on the radio it was slightly pathetic,
especially their comments about him being a lovable rogue. I wonder what
their reaction will be when the appeal is heard, as I am of the firm belief
that that Martin stands a good chance of having the conviction quashed.
As to the Chief Constable's apology or was it an expression of sympathy to
Fred Barras family, well I think the gentleman needs a lesson in common
sense. His comments probably alienated a very high proportion of the
population of the rural areas of the UK let alone Norfolk. This was slightly
tempered by his sympathy for Martin himself, also the senior investigating
officer seemed to be positively embarassed by the conviction.
Regards
Jerry
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