FARMER NOT CHARGED AFTER SHOOTING TEENAGE BURGLAR

Rob Lomas will not face criminal charges following the death of Marcus Smith, a 19-year-old who was shot at Lomas's farmhouse in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, in May 2024. Lomas was arrested on suspicion of murder after police responded to reports of a break-in in the early hours and found Smith dead at the scene with a fatal gunshot wound. The Crown Prosecution Service has concluded that no charges will be brought against the homeowner.

Smith was a footballer who played for Chapel Town FC and attended Chapel-en-le-Frith Secondary school. Lomas discharged a legally held firearm when confronted with burglars in his home, according to the CPS. He remained on bail following his arrest but has now been released with no further action to be taken by police. Janine McKinney, chief crown prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, stated that prosecutors analysed all evidence gathered during the police investigation and applied statutory legal tests and the law concerning householders' rights to self-defence.

The CPS decision reflects its assessment that Lomas acted within the law when protecting his property. McKinney said the service's thoughts were with Smith's family and loved ones. Neighbours characterised the incident as "a burglary that went wrong", noting the farmhouse's remote location in a valley set back from the main road.