London, February 22, 2008
Labh Singh Labana
NRI shopkeeper Tony Singh, 34, was arrested on suspicion of murder
or could be charged with murder after a robber was stabbed to
death during the struggle to defend himself. The robber identified
as Liam James Kilroe, 25, died as a result of the wound. Kilroe
has earlier convictions for robbery, assault and burglary. Tony
Singh who has run his store, Lifestyle Express, for several years,
works a 13 or 14-hour day. He is a popular member of the community
and is known for his hard work.
According to the police report, Tony Singh had been sitting in
his car when Liam James Kilroe tried to rob shopkeeper Tony Singh.
Liam James Kilroe, was on the run from police near the Lifestyle
Express general store on Birleywood in Digmoor on Sunday.
At 9.30pm, Police arrived at the scene and found a knife believed
to have been used by Mr Kilroe. Tony's window was smashed and
a struggle ensued during which Mr Kilroe received a single stab
wound to the chest and Mr Singh sustained injuries to his back
and neck. Mr Singh was taken to hospital where his wounds were
stitched up.
Tony Singh was questioned and released on police bail until February
29. The case is likely to reopen the debate about householders
being permitted to use force to defend themselves and their properties.
He was also injured during the scuffle, are preparing a report
to the Crown Prosecution Service, which will decide whether to
charge him.
According to a spokeswoman for Lancashire police, Liam james
Kilroe of Wheatacre in Skelmersdale, had convictions for robbery,
assault and possession of an offensive weapon. He was on bail
for two charges of armed robbery and was being sought by police
for breaching his bail conditions and failing to attend a court
hearing.
There is massive support in UK for Tony Singh and one news paper’s
web site have written to express their support and even thank
Singh, with one man saying the shopkeeper deserved a medal. Papers
have also listed the criminal history of Liam Kilroe in detail,
going back to his beginnings in 1999.
The neighboring shopkeeper said: “Tony is a much-loved
shopkeeper who has worked hard all his life, often doing 13- and
14-hour days. He wouldn't’t dream of harming anyone, yet
it seems he is the one being treated as a criminal.”
Tony’s customer told a local newspaper: “He only
did what he thought was right and stood up for himself, and yet
he is the one facing a possible murder charge. The robber paid
the price for his own robbery. There are going to be times when
the victims fight back.”
Gaynor Bell, another shopkeeper knows the family said he is a
pillar of the local community. “The Singh family do a lot
for the community. Tony is not just a shopkeeper, people talk
to him and he is very hardworking.”
Sarah Vincent who works around the corner from Singh’s
shop at Angels Beauty Salon, said: “Maybe this will teach
people a lesson. We didn't’t know Tony personally, but when
we go in the shop they are very friendly.”
Lot of politicians have backed Tony Singh and Shailesh Vara,
the Conservative Party deputy leader in the British parliament,
criticized the government’s failure to amend legislation
in favor of citizens who defend themselves.