“I am stealing his taxi” shouts jailed “gangster” outside McDonald’s before police chase begins

A man claiming to be a “gangster” has been jailed after stealing a taxi from a cabbie outside McDonald’s in Nottinghamshire.

Gary Morton, 45, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and banned from driving for two years and six months at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday 16 July.

Morton called a taxi to take him from Latham Street in Bulwell to McDonald’s in Leen Drive on 12 March. When they arrived, Morton and the driver got out of the car and Morton started shouting at the taxi driver. He shouted “I am a gangster, I am stealing his taxi”, before getting into the driver’s seat and driving off.

Police spotted Morton driving the taxi in nearby Hoewood Road. When officers went to stop him he drove off with speed, undertaking people and driving dangerously.

When he saw police further down the road he began quickly reversing towards their car, leading them to believe he would ram it, before making his escape.

Morton was later spotted running down Latham Street and was chased by an officer, who managed to catch and arrest him.

Detective Constable Sean Davison, who investigated the incident, said: “This was an incredibly dangerous stunt pulled by Morton and it was lucky that no one was hurt.

“Officers responded quickly and did a great job in catching him. Thanks to their quick thinking and a thorough investigation, we have been able to put Morton behind bars for his actions.”