'MY SON WILL SOON BE FREE'

THE mother of jailed farmer Tony Martin spoke yesterday of her hopes that her son would soon be freed.

Widow Hilary Martin, 86, said Martin was "in a state of shock" and that he was being treated on the hospital wing of Norwich Prison. She is hoping to visit him this week.

Mrs Martin said at her home in Elm, Norfolk, that she remained hopeful that the public outcry over his conviction would result in a successful appeal. Martin, 55, of Bleak House, Emneth Hungate, Norfolk, was found guilty of murdering burglar Fred Barras, 16, of Newark, Notts, at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Mrs Martin said she had been flooded with letters of support from the public. "I have also had the most marvellous letter from him. He doesn't sound angry. In fact it surprised me the lack of anger he expressed . His words seem quiet, humble."

Martin's legal team, who have launched an investigation into suggestions jurors were intimidated, have also arranged to move his possessions out of his house and into storage to prevent them being stolen.

An 84-year-old woman suffered a fractured skull when she was attacked yesterday by a burglar in her home in Exeter, Devon. Police are hunting a white man dressed all in black.

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