BRENDAN FEARON

Early day motion 1619, tabled 11 July 2002 by Lord Bellingham (Conservative). Signed by 33 members.

That this House expresses its grave concern that Brendan Fearon, one of the burglars that broke into Tony Martin's house, is now suing for civil damages in respect of the injuries that he suffered from his criminal acts; expresses further concern that Brendan Fearon is now receiving legal aid, even though his solicitors have agreed to take the case on a contingency, no win/no fee basis; urges the Government to look urgently at changing the law so that a new legal principle is brought in, whereby criminals who break into properties leave all their civil rights outside the property in question; and urges the Government to change the legal aid rules so that no one can claim it in cases where their solicitors have already agreed to take the case on a contingency basis.

Signatures by party: Conservative 27, Labour 3, DUP 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Liberal Democrat 1.