Burglars can expect to be shot, judge warns as two men are jailed
A judge has supported home-owners' rights to defend themselves, telling thieves Joshua O'Gorman and Daniel Mansell who were shot during a break-in, 'that's the chance you take'.
The two men asked for soft sentences because of the shooting but the judge rejected their bid and jailed them each for four years.
‘I make it plain that, in my judgement, being shot is not mitigation,’ said Judge Michael Pert.
'If you burgle a house in the country where the householder owns a legally held shotgun, that is the chance you take.
'You cannot come to court and ask for a lighter sentence because of it.'
Andy Ferrie, 35, fired his legally held shotgun at the pair when they raided his cottage.
He and wife Tracey, 43, were held in custody for 40 hours on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.
The arrests caused much criticism at the time but the victims will face no charges, Leicester crown court heard.
O’Gorman, 27, was shot in the face and Mansell, 33, was hit in the right hand.
They both admitted a burglary at the home near Melton Mowbray on September 2, with the court hearing that Mr Ferrie immediately called police after the shooting and the raiders were arrested hours later.
MP Alan Duncan, who backed the Ferries’ actions, said after yesterday’s hearing: ‘Three cheers for the judge; he has been robust and sensible.
'Justice has been done and, as I said from the start, the culprits are the culprits and the victims are the victims.
'The police did a very good job and investigated as thoroughly as they had to when a firearm is involved.'
See also Melton Times
