Legal aid for man shot by Tony Martin

One of the burglars shot by jailed farmer Tony Martin has been awarded legal aid to prepare his bid to claim compensation.

Brendon Fearon, 32, will receive up to £5,000 to begin his fight to sue Martin for damages for the injuries he suffered three years ago.

His initial application for legal aid was refused by the Legal Services Commission, but was won on appeal.

The money will allow Fearon's case to be examined by lawyers but he will have to apply again if the case is to progress. Fearon, who has 34 convictions for theft, drugs and burglary, is thought to be hopeful of gaining up to £50,000.

Martin shot Fearon in the legs during a burglary at his Norfolk farm in 1999. He killed Fearon's accomplice, 16-year-old Fred Barras, and is serving a five-year sentence for manslaughter.

The decision to give Fearon legal aid provoked uproar today. Businessman Malcolm Starr, a friend of Martin, said: "It's totally dreadful and it's time Tony Blair and the Home Secretary came out and gave a statement with their views. Mr Martin is writing to Mr Blair."