Four remanded over shopkeeper's murder

A 20-year-old man and three teenagers were remanded in custody today charged with the murder of a shopkeeper who was beaten to death during an alleged robbery at his store.

Muawaz Khalid, of Blackmoorfoot Road, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, appeared at the town's magistrates' court with three 17-year-old youths, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

They are accused of the murder and robbery of Gurmail Singh, 63, who died from head injuries after he was struck at least nine times with a weapon, believed to be a hammer, in the shop in the Cowcliffe area of Huddersfield, on February 20.

During a brief hearing all four defendants spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth.

Relatives of Mr Singh packed the courtroom as well as family members of the defendants.

District Judge Paul McNulty said all four were charged with robbery and murder and the case should be sent to the crown court.

There was no application for bail and all four were remanded in custody until next Monday when they will appear at Bradford Crown Court.

Police said Mr Singh came to the UK in 1963. He leaves a wife, two adult sons and a daughter. He celebrated his 63rd birthday the day before he died.