Moment heroic shopkeeper scared off hammer-wielding robber with a stick - then took the picture that nailed him

Published: 05:49 EDT, 4 November 2026 | Updated: 06:22 EDT, 4 November 2026 This is the moment a heroic shopkeeper scared off a hammer-wielding robber with a stick and then took the picture that helped the police catch him.Harrowing CCTV footage shows Vijay Sivan, 45, working in his Leicester convenience store when Jason Williams entered wearing a motorcycle helmet and brandishing a knife and hammer. The 52-year-old then handed Mr Sivan a bag and demanded that he fill it with cash.But the brave shopkeeper defiantly fought back using a stick from behind the counter to drive Williams out of his store.After bundling him out of the shop, Mr Sivan was even able to take a picture of Williams which helped police later identify him as the would-be robber.Williams also dropped his knife on the floor as he left the scene. Mr Sivan says he has always kept the wooden stick behind the counter for safety but hasn't had to use it until Williams' robbery. Williams, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of possession of a bladed article at Leicester Crown Court on October 19. In CCTV footage, a brave Vijay Sivan used a stick to drive Jason Williams out of his store Mr Sivan also managed to snap a picture of Williams after the attempted robbery which was then used by police to identify him Mr Sivan said it was the first time an attempted robbery had taken place and he was 'a little bit scared' by the ordeal but everything had returned to normal now Pictured: The knife Williams left at the scene of the robbery Mr Sivan, who owns King Richards News, said: 'It was scary because he was wearing a helmet and had his face covered.'He asked for all the money out of the till.'I followed him when he left the shop, he parked the motorbike on the corner and covered the number plate with a black plastic bag.'I used the wooden stick to move the bag and take a picture, so the police were very quick.'Mr Sivan said it was the first time an attempted robbery had taken place and he was 'a little bit scared' by the ordeal but everything had returned to normal now.He added: 'My wife is afraid to work in the shop though, so it's just me running it now. I can't afford to pay for any extra security measures.'Williams is due to be sentenced on November 5.