Murder victim called police before

A man murdered after disturbing a burglary had called police on two previous occasions about crime at his farm, it was disclosed yesterday.

Julian Gardner, 53, was found just after 8am on Monday by his business partner. He was sprawled on the ground near outbuildings at his remote farm in Robertsbridge, East Sussex.

One theory being explored is that Mr Gardner disturbed burglars forcing outbuildings where he ran an agricultural and car repair business.

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Sussex Police said the two reports to police by him were "low-level" offences in 2008 and 2009 and were unrelated to burglaries.

Officers refused to give further details but a spokesman said: "The early indications are that he was not a victim of burglary before."

Mr Gardner's death came just days after a campaign to keep people safe, with police, crime prevention officers, locksmiths and alarm firms offering tips to prevent burglaries.

Last night Mr Gardner's mother Molly Gardner and his sister Anna Murphy said their lives would never be the same again, adding: "The space he leaves will never be filled."

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In a statement, they said: "He had so much more living to do. If only he had known how many people have had their lives enriched by knowing him.

"He was so honest, so dependable, funny, loyal and hard-working. The space he leaves will never be filled."

Police have recovered two burnt-out off-road vehicles near the scene of the murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, of Sussex Police, said: "We are treating this as a murder inquiry and believe that this was a burglary that went wrong, with tragic consequences.

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"Julian Gardner possibly disturbed an unknown number of people forcing outbuildings where he ran an agricultural and car repair business."

Mr Hibbert added: "The farm is extensive and a methodical forensic examination will take some days.

"We are investigating the discovery of a couple of cars – Land Rover and Jeep – that we found abandoned a few miles from the site yesterday, but any possible connection to this incident is still being assessed."

Mr Gardner's cleaner said the community was in shock. The woman, from a neighbouring farm, said: "He was a friend to all of us who lived locally.

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"We do not have many break-ins here but they are a concern. It's devastating news and a huge shock for everyone who knew him. We are told it was a hit-and-run, they just left him there."

Mr Gardner was well known locally as an expert on repairing Land Rovers.

He ran an agricultural and car repair business at Bush Barn Farm, where his 90-year-old widowed mother lives.

Chief Inspector Heather Keating added: "He was a hard-working local man who was respected in the community.

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"This is a tragic incident to have happened in such a low crime area, and especially at a time when the police have been working with local residents to keep Rother (district) safe.

"Only on Saturday the police, crime prevention officers, locksmiths and alarm companies were on hand to offer advice and information."

A local National Farmers Union (spokeswoman said: "Rural crime is a concern in the South East and our members will be extra vigilant.

"We send our sympathies to Mr Gardner's family and the community."