Leicester shopkeeper drives armed robber away and helps police identify him

A Leicester shopkeeper fought back when a masked man entered his convenience store carrying a knife and hammer and demanded cash. Vijay Sivan drove the would-be robber out with a wooden stick, then photographed him; the image helped police identify the man.

Jason Williams, 52, dropped his knife as he left and later pleaded guilty at Leicester Crown Court to robbery and possessing a bladed article. Sivan said it was the first attempted robbery at his shop and that his wife is now afraid to work there; he cannot afford extra security. Williams was due to be sentenced on 5 November.