MAN JAILED: Court hands 13-month sentence following refusal to pay £8 fare and knife threat
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
A man from Aldershot has been jailed after admitting to threatening a taxi driver with a knife during a fare dispute in the town last month.
Craig Mahon, 35, was sentenced to 13 months at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 21 November after pleading guilty to threatening a person with a blade in a public place and making off without payment.
The incident took place on Saturday 18 October when Mahon refused to pay an £8 fare and then produced a knife while confronting the driver. Police confirmed the driver was not harmed and that Mahon fled the scene before officers arrived.
Hampshire officers began an investigation shortly after the incident and later arrested Mahon in connection with the reports. He was subsequently charged with the two offences and entered guilty pleas at court.
Mahon has now begun his custodial term following the sentencing at Winchester Crown Court.
Police Sergeant Rob Tiller, from the Aldershot Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victim, and I would like to praise him for his bravery and cooperation throughout the investigation.
“Craig Mahon acted in a reckless and dangerous manner that day, and his actions could have resulted in someone suffering a serious injury.
“We take knife offences extremely seriously and I hope that anyone thinking of carrying a knife recognises that there are serious consequences when they make that decision to pick up a weapon.
“Our officers will continue to work hard and do everything in their power to ensure those who carry knives are arrested, charged and put before the courts.”
