BRENDON FEARON AND THE TONY MARTIN CASE

Early day motion 1546, tabled 7 July 2003 by Lord Bellingham (Conservative). Signed by 14 members.

That this House expresses its grave concern that Brendon Fearon, one of the burglars who broke into Tony Martin's house, is now suing for civil damages in respect of the injuries that he sustained during his criminal acts, including his loss of sexual enjoyment and an ability to practise martial arts; expresses further concern that Brendon Fearon's case is now being funded by the Legal Aid Board despite the willingness of his solicitor to take the case on a no win-no fee contingency basis; urges the Government to look urgently at changing the law so that criminals who break into properties leave all their civil rights outside that property; urges the Government to reform the rules governing legal aid so that it cannot be claimed in such cases; and further urges the Government to note that 83 per cent. of those surveyed by the Freedom Association believe that an intruder should have no case against a homeowner who takes direct action against them.

Signatures by party: Conservative 8, Independent Ulster Unionist 2, Labour 2, DUP 1, UUP 1.