LAWYER IN THE NEWS

Who? John Hanson, 65-year-old criminal law specialist and senior partner at two-partner west Derbyshire firm Eddowes Simm & Waldron.Why is he in the news? Represents 68-year-old agricultural contractor Leonard Fountain, who was injured last September after absent-mindedly walking into his garden shed, setting off a booby trap that fired a paper pellet into his leg.

He had installed the device to deter intruders after several burglaries around his village, near Ashbourne in Derbyshire.

After being treated for his injuries, he was arrested and charged with firearms offences.

Last week, a judge at Derby Crown Court decided that there was no evidence that he had planned to endanger life.

Mr Fountain, who had admitted six firearms charges, was given an 18-month suspended sentence and fined 2,500.Background: After leaving school in 1950, joined the RAF for two years.

Worked in industry until 1967, then qualified via the old five-year articles route at now-defunct Derby firm Sale & Sons.

Qualified in 1972, when he joined Eddowes Simm & Waldron, becoming a partner in 1975.Route to the case: 'We've represented him for 20-odd years, doing land transactions and other legal matters.'Thoughts on the case: 'I think that the court's decision is hard to criticise: they had an obligation to hold my client responsible for the firearms offences he had admitted to.

It had to be accepted that his behaviour was outside the law.

But he never meant to cause anyone real harm - he constructed something he thought would just make a loud bang.

Len Fountain is a huge character and a country person - it would have been a sad day if he had gone to prison.'Dealing with the media: 'I think Len quite enjoyed all the attention the case was receiving prior to the trial.

Before the verdict, we discussed what he would say outside the court.

He agreed to make a brief comment, then said "good day, gentlemen".

He's happy now; he can get back to cutting barley.'

Rowland Byass