Man sentenced to six years in jail for stabbing Essex cab driver with a needle

A man who stabbed a cab driver in the arm with a needle has been jailed for more than six years. The unnamed cabbie picked up a man at around 8.45pm on October 16 last year. The passenger claimed to be called Ian and had been drinking in the Poplar Kitten pub in Bush Fair, Harlow.

As the cab driver stopped his vehicle, the passenger put a needle to his neck and demanded he hand over his money bag.  The taxi driver handed over his change bag, which contained about £20, but the suspect demanded more and held a second needed to his neck. As reported by the Essex Live, the suspect was later identified as 37-year-old David Smith. 

Smith then pulled the cab driver from the car and hit him with a metal bar. The victim struggled to grab his keys from the vehicle, this is when Smith stabbed him in his arm with two needles. 

Smith then got into the car and drove off, with the victim's wallet containing £200 inside. 

The vehicle was later traced to a car park by police officers. Smith along with two other people could be seen standing nearby but walked off, as the police approached, dropping a couple of items in the process.  One of the items dropped was later identified as a needle which the officers seized.  

The 37-year-old was searched and found in possession of the keys to the stolen taxi. All three people were arrested. Smith, of no fixed abode, was charged by police. The other two people were not charged with any offences. 

During a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 1, Smith pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a bladed article, possession of an offensive weapon, driving with no licence and driving with no insurance. During sentencing, which took place on March 27, Smith was sentenced to six years and four months in prison.

Investigating officer, PC Jamie Dawson, from Harlow CID, said: “David Smith threatened and assaulted the victim who was just trying to go about his job.  

“No-one should be subjected to that level of fear or violence, let alone at their place of work. “Smith is a dangerous and violent man and Essex is safer place now he is behind bars. “He has at least admitted his crimes so prevented the victim from re-living the ordeal through a trial and I hope this sentence will bring some solace to the victim.” 

Image: Source: Flickr

             Author: Stuart Axe