Farmer who shot and killed a teenager suspected of trying to burgle his home will not face any charges, say prosecutors
A farmer who shot and killed a teenager who allegedly broke into his home will not face criminal charges, prosecutors said.
Rob Lomas, 52, was arrested on suspicion of murder after Marcus Smith, 19, was found dead at a property in the Peak District in May 2024.
Police were called to reports of a break-in at the farm on a remote country road in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, at around 1.20am.
They found Mr Smith fatally injured inside the property and another man was also seriously injured on the road outside.
While the injured person was taken to hospital and treated, he was detained on suspicion of theft.
A third suspect was arrested on suspicion of the same offense a few hours later after he was stopped by police in a vehicle on the A6 near Chapel-en-le-Frith.
It was later revealed that officers had also been called to the farm the previous day after a report of a break-in.
Rob Lomas (pictured) was being questioned on suspicion of murder after 19-year-old Marcus Smith was found dead at his Mosley Hall Farm property.
Marcus Smith was found dead after police received reports of a break-in at a farm on a remote country road in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire.
Derbyshire police had been called to reports of a burglary at a remote farmhouse in the Peak District the previous day, followed by a second raid at 1.20am the next day.
Police wearing purple gloves comb farm outbuildings for evidence at remote Peak District farmhouse
In a statement published on Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service said it had determined Mr Lomas would not face criminal charges in relation to the ‘death of one intruder and serious damage to the property of another’.
It was stated that the decision was related to an incident in which ‘a homeowner, confronted by burglars at his home, discharged a legally held firearm at a remote property near Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire’.
CPS East Midlands Chief Constable Janine McKinney said: ‘Following a careful analysis of all the evidence gathered during the police investigation, our prosecutors have determined that no criminal charges will be laid in relation to the death of Marcus Smith or the serious injuries of another man.
‘This decision was made in accordance with our legal tests as prosecutors and the law regarding the homeowner’s rights to defend themselves.
‘Our thoughts are with Mr Smith’s family and loved ones.’
The statement stated that three men will be charged with burglary and theft that occurred at the same property the night before.
The law allows individuals to use reasonable force to defend themselves, others, and their property if threatened with violence.
Following his arrest, Mr Lomas’ son Joshua organized a fundraiser using the hashtag ‘free the farmer’.
He wrote: ‘We are raising much needed funds to support our family and my dad Rob during this very difficult time.
‘Rob has the most staunch loyalty you could ask for in a father and friend and has always been there for me and his many friends.
‘He works non-stop in all weather conditions, as any farmer does, but always makes time for a beer and a friendly, witty chat.
‘In the early hours of May 1, Rob encountered intruders at his property as he had also experienced a burglary the night before. More details are available online and I will not copy.
‘Rob, Kate (his partner) and I need help in the coming weeks. That’s why we need your kind and extremely valuable help.’
Mr Smith is a He is a former pupil of Chapel-en-le-Frith High School and a footballer who played for local club Chapel Town FC.
Following his death, friends paid tribute online, describing him as ‘the loveliest child’, ‘sweet and kind’ and someone who ‘lit up every room he walked into’.
The case is reminiscent of Tony Martin’s case. The farmer who shot and killed an intruder at his isolated Norfolk home in 1999.
Martin was jailed in 2000 for killing 16-year-old Fred Barras and wounding 29-year-old Brendon Fearon in the same incident.
He was released three years later after the conviction was reduced to manslaughter.
The shooting at Martin’s farmhouse in Emneth Hungate, known as Bleak House, sparked a national debate over homeowners’ rights.
Mr Martin died last year at the age of 80.
