Florist robbery: Shopkeeper bailed over man's murder

[Rusty99]

A 72-year-old shopkeeper arrested on suspicion of murder after the stabbing of a suspected armed robber has been released on bail.

Gary Mullings, 30, died in hospital following the incident at a florist's in Greater Manchester on Tuesday.

Cecil Coley, who runs the shop in Shrewsbury Street, Old Trafford, was also taken to hospital and then arrested.

He has been bailed until 9 September, pending further inquiries.

A post-mortem examination found Mr Mullings, from New Moston in Manchester, died from stab wounds.

Another man, aged 18, is receiving hospital treatment for stab wounds. He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery.

It is understood Mr Mullings was acquitted, in January 2002, of the murder of Alan Byron, 18, who was shot dead in a car in Longsight a year earlier. Another man was convicted and jailed for life.

Source:BBC

[Condie]

Fingers crossed for an NFA very quickly.

[GymRat]

I think so. Real justice prevails, for once.......

[Rusty99]

NFA'd

At some point during the incident a gun - a blank-firing pistol - was discharged, Mr Afzal said.

He added: "All the evidence indicates that when Cecil Coley took hold of a knife that was on the shop counter and struck out with it he was acting in a way that he felt instinctively necessary to protect himself, whilst fearing for his life.

"It is clear from the evidence I have seen that Mr Coley was acting in reasonable self-defence, and used the degree of force that he believed was necessary when he fatally stabbed Gary Mullings and injured another of the intruders.

"I am therefore satisfied that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute Mr Coley."

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Mr Coley would not face any charges for injuring another intruder.

Ch Supt Mark Roberts, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "When presented with the circumstances of that evening the correct decision was to make the arrests. It was crucial that we conducted a thorough and open-minded investigation into the events.

Source: BBC

[GymRat]

I agree he should have been nicked, thoroughly investigated, and now we can say that he was rightly cleared.

A good day for justice, I feel. I wonder if in future burglars may think twice?

[busterbloodvessel]

Well, there's two stated cases now, this year alone. If I was a burglar I'd be thinking about a career change.

[Rusty99]

Become a rioter and wear a mask.