Walthamstow stabbing: Gang who punctured elderly shopkeeper's lung in 'horrific' attack are sentenced

Francesca Gillett11 October 2016
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A man who punctured an elderly shopkeeper’s lung in a horrific east London stabbing with the help of two teenage boys has been jailed for nine years.

70-year-old Suntharalingham Sockalingam, known as Sunny, was in his family-run corner shop in Walthamstow when the hooded trio burst in carrying knives in the attempted robbery.

The terrified pensioner shielded his wife and two customers while the knife-wielding youngsters attacked him as they tried to raid the store.

The gang fled empty handed after the father-of-three defended himself and his wife Premala armed with only an advertising stand.

Stabbing: The shopkeeper was knifed during the robbery attempt
Met Police

The shocking incident happened at the corner shop on Carr Road, Walthamstow, at around 9.10pm on Sunday, April 17 this year.

Police and ambulances were called and found Mr Sockalingam suffering from serious stab injuries. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

David Smith, 21, of Valognes Avenue, Walthamstow, pleaded guilty and has now been jailed for nine years and four months for attempted robbery and wounding with intent, as well as for a separate robbery on April 9.

Jailed: David Smith, 21, of Valognes Avenue, Walthamstow, pleaded guilty and was sentenced for nine years and four months.
Met Police.

Two other boys, both 14, were also given youth rehabilitation orders for attempted robbery and threatening a person with a blade/sharply pointed article on April 17.

One of the 14-year-olds was given a 24-month order, while the other – who was also sentenced for robbery and threatening a person with a blade on April 9 in a separate incident – was given an 18-month order.

Both cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trio pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on August 8 and were sentenced on Friday, October 7.

Although he has physically recovered from a punctured lung and underwent rehab, the Met Police said the psychological impact of the incident continues to haunt him and his family.

Crime scene: Police cordoned off Carr Road while they combed it for evidence
Christine Deudney/@Pops_Mum

Investigating officer Detective Constable Elle Madden from Waltham Forest CID said: "This was a horrific attack on a hard-working pensioner who was simply trying to run his shop.

"The offenders used an extreme level of violence against an elderly man who was trying to defend himself, his wife, his customers and his business.

"The attack could have resulted in tragic consequences and it is only through good fortune that the victim is now physically recovering. The victim and his family continue to deal with the consequences of this attack.

"I'd like to thank the victim and his family for their courage in helping us with this investigation and also to the local community for their support, which I know has been greatly appreciated by the victim. We hope this sentence will give them some peace and closure."

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