Two men who conspired to burgle the home of a farmer charged with murder have been jailed.

Brendan Fearon, 29, and Darren Bark, 33, admitted conspiring to burgle the home of Norfolk farmer Tony Martin at Norwich Crown Court.

The two men, both from Newark, Nottinghamshire, had set out to burgle Mr Martin's home in Emneth near Wisbech last August, the court heard.

They were accompanied by 16-year-old Fred Barras, also from Newark.

During the attempted burglary at the isolated farmhouse, Barras was shot dead.

Judge David Mellor was told Fearon received gunshot wounds to his upper legs and is permanently disabled. He is also suffering from post traumatic stress.

Tony Martin has since been charged with Barras's murder and with causing grievous bodily harm to Fearon, but has yet to stand trial.

Fearon was jailed for three years for conspiracy to burgle, with Bark receiving a 30 month sentence.

Bark was also ordered to serve an extra 12 months in jail for an unrelated burglary.

'Planned burglary'

Jailing them, Judge Mellor said publicity surrounding Mr Martin's case had not affected the sentences.

Ian James, prosecuting, told the court that Fearon had planned the burglary, persuading Bark to drive the 60 miles to Emneth.

The three were armed with a torch, gloves and a screwdriver.

Fearon had targeted Mr Martin's home after hearing other people talking about the property in a pub, the court heard.

He told police how he believed that the property, called Bleak House, was unoccupied.

Antiques

Bark also knew of the house - but he had been told that it was occupied, the court heard.

The trio, who all had links to the travelling community in Newark, believed that they would be able to steal small antiques.

Both Fearon and Bark, who asked for seven other offences to be taken into consideration, have lengthy criminal records for dishonesty and have served previous prison sentences.

Chris Kessling, for Fearon, said in mitigation that Fearon had suffered "extreme guilt" over Barras's death.

Andrew Oliver, for Bark, said in mitigation that Bark had also expressed "remorse" for his part in the burglary.