“I do not want to be seen as a hero”

February 27, 2008 at 10:30 pm (good people, Jim D)

It is, surely, excellent news that shopkeeper Tony Singh will not face a murder charge following the death of a man who was attempting to rob him at knife-point.

The assailant, Liam Kilroe, who had previous convictions for assault and robbery, died on 17 February from a single stab wound from his own weapon, in the course of his attack upon Mr Singh.

Tony Singh was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder. He learned today that he will not face charges.

What impressed me about Mr Singh was his dignified refusal to play up to the tabloid “have-a-go hero” agenda. The circumstances of his case would seem to be quite different to those of  tabloid/Telegraph favourite Tony Martin, who pursued and shot in the back a retreating burglar.

Mr Singh, who sustained knife wounds to his head and back during the attack, today issued a statement that included the following:

“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.”