RUNNING OUT OF TIME

Farmer who shot dead burglar worries he will nevér clear his name

- DAN WARBURTON

TWENTY years after being released from prison for shooting dead a teenage burglar, farmer Tony Martin says he still wants to clear his name but that his hopes are fading fast.

The pensioner, 78, fears he may have to abandon his plan to appeal to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, telling the Mirror: "I've run out of steam.

Mr Martin was jailed for killing Fred Barras, 16, and seriously injuring Brendon Fearon when they broke into his isolated farm in August 1999.

He was found guilty of murder the following year but the conviction was quashed on appeal and he spent three years in prison for manslaughter.

Now - just ahead of the 20th anniversary of walking free in July 2003 - Mr Martin maintains that the manslaughter conviction should also be overturned.

In an interview at Bleak House Farm where he shot the burglars, he added he has not stepped foot in the dilapidated farmhouse since the killing.

Mr Martin, who still owns the £3million farm, spends his time in a neighbouring barn and nearby property.

He also spoke of being a "different person" after being in jail.