Farmer cleared over fatal farm burglary shooting

A Derbyshire farmer who shot dead a suspected burglar during a break-in at his Peak District farm has been cleared of all criminal charges.

Derbyshire Police were called to reports of a burglary at a property on Eccles Road, Whaley Bridge, at about 1.20am on 1 May 2024.

Farmer Rob Lomas, who is in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after 19-year-old Marcus Smith from Chapel-en-le-Frith died from gunshot wounds and another person was seriously injured.

See also: Son’s fundraiser for farmer in murder probe tops £50,000

Mr Lomas, who remained on bail during the investigation, fired a legally held firearm after confronting intruders inside his home.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now confirmed that no charges will be brought against Mr Lomas over Mr Smith’s death or the serious injury of another man.

No criminal charges

Janine McKinney, chief crown prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, said: “After careful analysis of all the evidence gathered during the police investigation, our prosecutors have decided that there will be no criminal charges in relation to the death of Marcus Smith or the serious injury of another male.

“This decision has been made in accordance with our statutory legal tests as prosecutors and the law surrounding the householder’s rights to defend themself.

“Our thoughts are with Mr Smith’s family and loved ones.”

The CPS said the law allows individuals to use reasonable force to defend themselves, other people and their property if threatened with violence.

Three men are due to face court proceedings over the burglary at Mr Lomas’s farm and an alleged burglary at the same property the previous night.

Following Mr Lomas’s arrest, his family launched an online fundraising campaign, understood to help with legal costs, which raised more than £60,000.