Farmer who shot teen burglar dead will not face criminal charges

A farmer who shot dead a teenage burglar will not face any criminal charges.

Rob Lomas was arrested on suspicion of murder after Marcus Smith, 19, was found dead at a farmhouse in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, in May 2024.

Police had been called to reports of a break-in during the early hours when they discovered the young footballer.

The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene after having suffered a fatal gunshot wound

Marcus was a footballer who played for local club Chapel Town FC, and was a former pupil at Chapel-en-le-Frith High School.

Smith’s mother posted a photo of her and her son on Facebook today, which was flooded with condolence messages.

Mr Lomas, in his 50s, was subsequently arrested and has since remained on bail.

But the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now decided that a charge will not be brought against the homeowner in relation to the murder.

The CPS said that he had discharged a legally held firearm when confronted with burglars in his home, reports the BBC.

He has been released from bail with no further action being taken by police.

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.’

neighbors said the incident appears to be a ‘burglary that went wrong’, with one neighbor saying ‘The farm is in a remote location, quite deep in the valley and set back from the main road.

‘I suspect it was an opportunistic burglary that has gone wrong.’

Another said: ‘Obviously, it’s shocking when something like this happens on your doorstep. I’ve had people ringing me asking if I’m okay. This is normally a sleepy, little town.’

Meanwhile, Derbyshire Police said three men arrested for burglary at the same property remain on bail.

Another 19-year-old man had also suffered gunshot wounds on the night before he was found nearby and taken to hospital before his arrest.