Gun victim family plea on funeral
The family of a popular father-of-four who was gunned down outside his Bilston pub were today urging regulars to attend his funeral next week to pay their last respects.
Crowds of mourners are expected at the funeral of Swinder Singh Batth, aged 47, who was shot in the chest on July 27 after reportedly intervening in a dispute at Gavin's Sports Bar in Hall Street, Bilston.
Mr Batth, of Moxley, ran the pub with his 19-year-old son Gavin.
Relatives are urging customers of Gavin's Sports Bar to attend the funeral at Bushbury Crematorium, Wolverhampton, on Monday at 3.30pm. Police are helping to marshal the funeral because of the large numbers expected to attend.
Family liaison officer Pc Moira Foulger said today: "Any customers who used to go to the bar are encouraged to go along to the funeral. The family wants people who knew him to attend. People are welcome to go along to pay their respects.
"He was a very popular and liked man, who was well-known in the Sikh community. The family expect lots of people to turn up."
The funeral cortege is leaving the family home in Hughes Road at 2.45pm. After leaving the crematorium, family and friends will gather at the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton.
Eight people appeared in court on August 10 charged with the murder of Mr Batth, who was a big name in the world of Kabaddi, a team sport originating from India. He was also a former professional wrestler.
At Wolverhampton Crown Court, Judge John Warner remanded the suspects in custody until September 29.
