diff --git a/src/generic/listctrl.cpp b/src/generic/listctrl.cpp
index 8bb4d60e1d..07141e897e 100644
--- a/src/generic/listctrl.cpp
+++ b/src/generic/listctrl.cpp
@@ -3440,7 +3440,7 @@ void wxListMainWindow::SetFocus()
 
     wxWindow *oldFocus = FindFocus();
     
-    if ( oldFocus->GetParent() == this )
+    if ( oldFocus && oldFocus->GetParent() == this )
     {
         wxWindow::SetFocus();
     }