A farmer who shot dead a teenage burglar in Derbyshire will not face any criminal charges. Rob Lomas, in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of murder after Marcus Smith, 19, was found dead at a farmhouse in Whaley Bridge in May 2024. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now decided that a charge will not be brought, ruling that Lomas discharged a legally held firearm when confronted with burglars in his home.
Incident Details
Police had been called to reports of a break-in during the early hours when they discovered Smith, a former pupil at Chapel-en-le-Frith High School who played for local club Chapel Town FC. He was pronounced dead at the scene from a fatal gunshot wound. Lomas was subsequently arrested and remained on bail until the CPS decision.
CPS Statement
Janine McKinney, chief crown prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, said: 'After careful analysis of all the evidence gathered during the police investigation, our prosecutors have decided that there will be no criminal charges in relation to the death of Marcus Smith or the serious injury of another male. This decision has been made in accordance with our statutory legal tests as prosecutors and the law surrounding the householder’s rights to defend themself. Our thoughts are with Mr Smith’s family and loved ones.'
Neighbour Reactions
Neighbours described the incident as a 'burglary that went wrong.' One said: 'The farm is in a remote location, quite deep in the valley and set back from the main road. I suspect it was an opportunistic burglary that has gone wrong.' Another added: 'Obviously, it’s shocking when something like this happens on your doorstep. I’ve had people ringing me asking if I’m okay. This is normally a sleepy, little town.'
Ongoing Investigations
Derbyshire Police confirmed that three men arrested for burglary at the same property remain on bail. Another 19-year-old man had also suffered gunshot wounds on the night before he was found nearby and taken to hospital before his arrest. Smith’s mother posted a photo of her and her son on Facebook, which was flooded with condolence messages.
