Special Report
Editorial
Op-Ed
Opinion
Columns

Politics
Literature
Music
Art & Culture
Sikh Religion
Rights
1984
Books
Education
Business

Entertainment
Lifestyle
Travel
Health
Heritage
Sports
Kids Corner

Panjab
India
Pakistan
South Asia
US of A
Canada
Asia-Pacific
UK
Europe
Middle East
Africa
World
 

Archives
Newsletter
Advertise

Obituaries

Feedback
Contact Us
About Us
Site Map

To escape a robber’s attack, this man stabbed him.
Is he a hero?
WSN Network

LONDON: After India-born shopkeeper in Lancashire, Tony Singh, stabbed a robber in an attempt to defend himself, support has been pouring in thick and fast from the Sikh community and other Indians and the British media has been overwhelmed by it. Tony, who owns a Lifestyle Express Store in the Birleywood area of Lancashire in the United Kingdom has been described as a "hard-working family man who works 13-hour days seven days a week".

Locals too voiced their support for their 'hero' and one said the robber paid a price for his own robbery. Many called Tony a pillar for the community and many hope his actions will teach others a lesson.

On the Times newspaper's website, dozens of ordinary Britons have written in to thank Singh, with one man saying the shopkeeper deserved a medal.

Newspapers have also listed the criminal history of robber Liam Kilroe in detail, going back to his beginnings in1999. Kilroe absconded while on bail pending a retrial for another case. Police were attempting to track him down when he launched his final attack. Tony meanwhile in his defence has said: "I feel lucky to be alive. All I was  doing was trying to stop myself getting hurt. The guy could have killed me. I've got some injuries to my face and I'm pretty  shaken up, but thankfully I am ok and able to return to work."

The Lancashire police meanwhile, are looking into the incident to decide whether the force used by Tony was reasonable or not. In fact depending on this they will decide if there is merit for a  charge such as murder, manslaughter or assault.

However, the British law does not give a person an absolute right to defend himself. And expects people under attack to make reasoned judgements. Shailesh Vara, the shadow deputy leader of the House of Commons, has criticised the government's failure to amend the current legislation in favour of citizens who defend themselves against attack.

He has said: "It is premature to comment on the facts of this case. However, it is highly regrettable that Jack Straw did not take up my Private Member's Bill which sought to raise the standard in such cases to protect the innocent when they act to defend themselves and protect their property."

27 February 2008
 

Bookmark with

Reddit    Yahoo     Furl    Delicious