Staff at a bookmaker have been commended for their bravery after helping detain a man who carried out a knife attack on a customer.
Police were called to premises on Melton Road shortly before 4pm on 24 May last year, following reports that a man had been assaulted while celebrating a winning bet. The victim suffered cuts to his head and hand in the attack, though his injuries were not life-threatening.
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
When officers arrived at the scene, the suspect—identified as 34-year-old Parvinder Singh, who has no fixed address—had already been restrained by members of staff who witnessed the incident. He was subsequently arrested at the scene.
The victim later told police he did not know Singh, who allegedly made threats to kill him immediately after the attack.
Singh was charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon. Following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, he was found guilty on 28 January this year.
At the same court on Monday 20 April, Singh was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Detective Constable Marie Applewhite, from the Complex Investigation Team, described the incident as “completely unprovoked” and warned it could have had far more serious consequences.
She praised the actions of the two staff members who intervened, saying they had prevented further harm while putting themselves at personal risk.
“They managed to prevent the victim, or anyone else, from suffering serious injuries,” she said. “What they did that day must be commended.”
She added that the conviction and sentence should provide reassurance to the local community.
