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Tony Singh shopkeeper stabbed robber to death during the struggle to defend himself

 

NRI Tony Singh may be Charged over stabbed Lancashire robber

  • Lancashire police say if the Crown thinks Singh used excessive force he could be charged for murder, manslaughter or assault.
  • There is massive support in UK for Tony Singh

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.


 

 


Liam James Kilroe, robber was stabbed to death during the struggle when he tried to rob NRI shopkeeper Tony Singh



NRI shopkeeper 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.