Tony Martin shot dead a 16-year-old burglar

He spoke out after Brendon Fearon, 33, was told that under the Human Rights Act he has the right to have his compensation claim against Martin heard.

Fearon, who has more than 30 criminal convictions, was shot by Martin during a burglary at the farmer's home in Emneth Huntgate, Norfolk, in August 1999.

Martin shot dead Fearon's 16-year-old accomplice Fred Barras, leading to a conviction for manslaughter.

'Gobsmacked'

Malcolm Starr, a campaigner for Martin, said: "He is not surprised about the verdict and he feels that he cannot understand why more MPs aren't being more outspoken about the situation."

Brendon Fearon claims to have suffered post-traumatic stress

Mr Starr said the "disgraceful" decision would lead to a waste of public money.

He added: "Public opinion must be at boiling point, people will be gobsmacked that the law can be so wrong."

Martin's MP, Tory Henry Bellingham, said: "I am absolutely appalled. I feel very strongly that no criminal should have any right after he has broken into a property - all legal rights should be left outside the property that was burgled."

He condemned the decision to provide a convicted burglar with legal aid to pursue a civil claim.

'Convicted criminal'

But Shami Chakrabarti of the human rights group Liberty, said it was right for Fearon to have the chance to go to court.

"Brendon Fearon is a convicted criminal and is, quite rightly, serving time in prison," she said.

"That does not take away his right to seek compensation for the injuries he suffered."

The judge said the full hearing must consider what rights a householder has to protect his property and also whether a burglar can be deemed to be outside of the law.

At an earlier hearing Fearon claimed that Martin left him with a leg wound and had affected his ability to enjoy sex and martial arts.

He also claimed that he had suffered post traumatic stress.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We have been saying for a while that we will be trying to find a way to afford greater protection for householders.