Shopkeeper Drives Off Hammer-Wielding Robber With a Stick – Then Takes Photo That Helps Police Catch Him

A brave convenience store owner fought back against an armed robber using nothing more than a wooden stick before taking a photograph that helped police identify and catch the suspect.

Vijay Sivan, 45, was working at King Richards News in Leicester when Jason Williams, 52, entered wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying a knife and hammer.

CCTV footage captured the frightening encounter as Williams approached the counter, handed Sivan a bag and demanded that he fill it with cash.

But rather than surrendering the money, the shopkeeper refused to comply and reached for a wooden stick behind the counter to defend himself.

Williams then threatened him with a hammer, turning the robbery into a terrifying confrontation inside the small convenience store.

Despite the danger, Sivan stood his ground and managed to fight off the attacker. Williams eventually followed him out of the shop.

The shopkeeper later explained that the robber had initially entered to steal beer and cheese before demanding money at the till. He admitted that he was frightened during the incident, which was the first robbery he had experienced at his business.

Sivan also took a photograph of the suspect, which helped police in their investigation and ultimately contributed to identifying the man responsible.

Williams, of Perth Avenue, was subsequently brought before Leicester Crown Court. On October 19, he pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and another of possessing a bladed article.

He is due to be sentenced on November 5.

Speaking about the aftermath, Sivan said the incident had affected his family. His wife became too frightened to work at the shop, leaving him to run the business alone.

The shopkeeper also explained that he could not afford additional security measures, despite the frightening experience.

The case highlights the risks faced by small convenience store owners, who can find themselves confronting armed criminals while simply trying to run their businesses.

For Sivan, a wooden stick and the decision to stand his ground helped turn a terrifying robbery into a case that police were able to pursue.