Shopkeeper, 72, will not face charges over florist raid death

[Jazzy]

An elderly shopkeeper, Cecil Coley, who stabbed to death a burglar in Manchester will not face charges, as prosecutors reassured homeowners they can use reasonable force to protect themselves, their families and their property.



The 72 year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of Gary Mullings, 30, who had broken into his shop in Old Trafford.



Mr Coley, a well-known figure in the neighbourhood and a regular churchgoer, was playing dominoes with a friend after closing time when Mullings and three other armed men burst into the store and demanded the takings.



A struggle followed which ended with the 30-year old robber dropping his gun, before collapsing outside on the pavement with a stab wound to the chest. Mr Coley also received hospital treatment.



The shopkeeper was due to answer police bail later this week but was told on Wednesday by the Crown Prosecution Service that no further action would be taken against him over the incident that occured on July 26.



The CPS also concluded that he should not face any charges for injuring the second man who was stabbed in the incident.



Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukn...not-face-charges-over-florist-raid-death.html



Question: Do you think he should have faced charges? Why or why not?

 

[Cranos]

The guy pulled a gun on him and was 40 years younger, seems pretty clear to me that this is self defence.

 

[Jazzy]

I say justice was served and it saved a lot of wasted court time.

 

[Evil Eye]

Who robs a florist anyway?

The guy pulled a gun on him and was 40 years younger, seems pretty clear to me that this is self defence.

Yeah... though there're always exceptions.

 

[Cranos]

Yeah... though there're always exceptions.

Of course, if they were already leaving the store and he was stabbed in the back for example... But considering this isn't even going to trial, it probably is just what it seems to be.