Shop-keeper escapes charges over mugger's death

Feb 28 2008

A SHOPKEEPER last night said he was “relieved” at learning he will not be charged with murder after a man died trying to rob him.

Tony Singh, 34, extended his sympathy to the family of career criminal Liam Kilroe, but said he had had “no option but to defend myself”.

Mr Singh was arrested after Kilroe died when attempting to mug the shopkeeper, who grappled with him to defend himself.

Kilroe, 25, from St Helens, Merseyside, died from a single stab wound to the chest after trying to rob his victim on Birleywood Road, Skelmersdale, at around 9pm on February 17.

It was announced yesterday (Wed Feb 27) that Mr Singh, who owns the Lifestyle Express store in Birleywood, would face no charges over Kilroe’s death.

Mr Singh was due to appear at a press conference yesterday, but his solicitor Nick Archer said his client was overwhelmed and could not face the media.

His solicitor Nick Archer read out a statement on Mr Singh’s behalf: “I would like to say how relieved I am at the decision that I am not going to be prosecuted for any offence as a result of the incident last Sunday.

“I would like to thank the police and in particular Det Supt (Mick) Gradwell and the CPS for the speed and thoroughness of their investigation and their decision making.”

He added: “I tried to get away from the attacker but was left with no option but to defend myself.

“In the course of the attack I was stabbed to my head causing what could have been a life-threatening injury and also suffered repeated stab wounds to my back.

“In the struggle with my attacker I understand he suffered an injury but I do not know how the injury was caused.

“I do not want to be seen as a hero. I did no more or less than try to save my life. I extend my sympathy to the Kilroe family who after all have lost a son.”

He went on: “I have been traumatised by this event and my family have been deeply distressed by the incident and I am desperate to return to normality.

“I do appreciate there has been a huge amount of public interest in these events and I have had a massive amount of public support both locally and nationally. “I would like to thank everyone for their support.

“I do hope that myself and my family can now be left to try to get back to life as normal as possible.”

Det Supt Gradwell of Lancashire Police said: “This was a violent attack on Mr Singh by a convicted armed robber.

“My recommendation was that Mr Singh should not be prosecuted and I am pleased that the Crown Prosecution Service has agreed with that.”

Lancashire Police had issued an appeal for Kilroe to hand himself in after he failed to appear at Preston Crown Court to face armed robbery charges.

Kilroe had a history of burglary, assault and armed robbery.

Explaining the decision, John Dilworth, assistant district Crown prosecutor for South West Lancashire, said: “The evidence from the police has been reviewed and we have decided that Mr Singh, known locally to the community as Tony, was acting in self defence and should not be prosecuted for any offence over the death of Liam Kilroe.”