Murder victim struck and stabbed more than 50 times

A Halfway House businessman was brutally murdered and robbed Stafford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Satnam Singh Blugher, aged 67, was found on the kitchen floor at Tony's Diner at Halfway House, between Shrewsbury and Welshpool, by a relative. He had died of multiple injuries and more than £47,000 cash was taken from him.

Employee Belkar Singh worked at the premises between June 24 and 27 this year and fled to Birmingham with the cash leaving Mr Blugher struck and stabbed more than 50 times.

A murder investigation was launched after Mr Blugher, known locally as Mr B, was found at the diner by paramedics following a 999 call.

The court heard that Belkar, 56, of Booth Street, Birmingham, was employed mainly to wash dishes at the popular roadside diner. He had overstayed his visitors' visa and was working illegally in this country.

Belkar denies the murder charge and the case continues today.