Robber gets over 10 years in jail for stabbing South London shopkeeper

A man who stabbed a shopkeeper during an attempted robbery at a south London newsagents has been jailed.

Liam Killigrew, 47, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on 13 May to 10 years and four months’ imprisonment, after pleading guilty to a knife point robbery, grievous bodily harm and criminal damage.

Killigrew stabbed one of the shopkeepers in the back on 27 June 2020, when the staff at a newsagents in Liberty Avenue, Colliers Wood challenged his attempt to take money out of a till.

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

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

“This was a terrifying ordeal for staff members and in particular the victim, who was extremely lucky not to have received more serious injuries,” commented Detective Sergeant Ben Stephenson of Metropolitan Police, who was the investigating officer.

“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.”