Robber Stabbed Shopkeeper

This knife-wielding robber, who stabbed a shopkeeper in the back after snatching cash from the till, has been locked-up.

Liam Killigrew, 47, received ten years and four months imprisonment for the newsagent's raid.

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court he pleaded guilty to robbery, inflicting grievous bodily harm and causing criminal damage.

On the evening of Saturday, June 27, Killigrew was seen by staff taking money out of a till at a newsagents in Liberty Avenue, Colliers Wood.

After being challenged he stabbed one of the shopkeepers in the back. 

Other staff then bravely pulled the shutters down, detaining Killigrew inside the premises before calling police.

The shopkeeper was taken to hospital, where his injuries were assessed as significant but not life changing.

Killigrew was arrested at the scene and initially taken to hospital for treatment to a pre-existing condition. 

Whilst there, he attempted to escape, causing damage to the hospital room ceiling.

Detective Sergeant Ben Stephenson said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for staff members and in particular the victim, who was extremely lucky not to have received more serious injuries.

"Killigrew brazenly took money from the till and had no qualms in attacking the victim with a knife when he was challenged.

"I must commend the staff for their bravery in making every effort to ensure Killigrew was not able to escape arrest; even though they must have been in fear for their lives.

"The significant sentence handed down is only right given the danger he poses.”