Farmer and his wife who shot burglars are released no further action
Statement from Leicestershire Police:-Today the Head of the CPS East Midlands complex casework unit and the Senior Investigating Officer have reviewed the evidence and the crime scene and the decision has been made to take no further action against the homeowners.
This decision has been made as swiftly as possible following a detailed inquiry, forensic investigation of the scene, input from ballistics experts and extensive interviews with all parties involved. It is right that all incidences of this nature are looked at thoroughly and professionally and today’s decision is made based on the findings of these investigations.
Can we remind you that two people have been charged in connection with this incident.
Statement from the Crown Prosecution Service:-
A Leicestershire couple involved in the shooting of intruders at their home will not face charges, the Crown Prosecution Service announced this afternoon.
Judith Walker, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East Midlands said: “Andy and Tracey Ferrie were released on police bail yesterday (Tuesday 4 September 2012) after being questioned about the shooting in the early hours of Sunday morning at their home near Melton Mowbray.
“Earlier this afternoon, the head of the East Midlands Complex Casework Unit, Lawrence English, visited the scene of the incident to see for himself whether the accounts given by Mr and Mrs Ferrie were consistent with other evidence of what happened.
"Looking at the evidence, it is clear to me that Mr and Mrs Ferrie did what they believed was necessary to protect themselves, and their home, from intruders.
"As Crown Prosecutors we look at all cases on their merit and according to the evidence in the individual case. I am satisfied that this is a case where householders, faced with intruders in frightening circumstances, acted in reasonable self defence.
“The law is clear that anyone who acts in good faith, using reasonable force, doing what they honestly feel is necessary to protect, their families or their property, will not be prosecuted for such action.
“We have therefore advised Leicestershire Police that Mr and Mrs Ferrie should be released from their bail as they will not face any charges over what happened.”
Notes
We are not able to go into great detail about the circumstances of the incident as there are ongoing cases against two men for burglary, and the police investigation into other suspects is continuing.
Daniel Mansell pleaded guilty at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court on 5 September 2012 to burglary, and has been committed for sentence to Leicester Crown Court on 25 September 2012. He was remanded in custody.
Joshua O’Gorman appeared at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court on 5 September 2012 charged with burglary and has been remanded in custody for committal on 19 October 2012. He has an interim video link hearing on 14 September 2012.
