JUST DESERTS


JAIL FOR ABERDEEN MAN WHO HELD KNIFE TO TAXI DRIVER’S NECK IN TERRIFYING ROBBERY


A 33-year-old man who subjected a taxi driver to a “terrifying experience” by holding a knife to his neck has been jailed for four years. Peter Garland was a passenger in the vehicle when he pulled out the weapon, held it to the driver's neck, made violent threats, and chased the victim before robbing him of his mobile phone, which was later recovered. The attack took place on October 6 last year at Rowan Road in Aberdeen after Garland and a group of others called a taxi to travel to


another address.


Following the incident, Garland admitted his guilt to


an


acquaintance, saying: “I was the one with the knife. It is all on me.”


Sentencing him at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lady Haldane noted that the crime was a serious offence committed against a back- ground of persistent criminality. The judge stated that Garland, currently a prisoner at Grampian jail, would have faced a six-year sentence if he had not pleaded guilty. Pointing out that Garland is assessed as a high risk to reoffend, Lady Haldane told him: “In this


case, protection of the public is clearly a significant factor.” In addition to his prison term, Garland will be monitored under a two-year community supervision order upon release. Defence counsel Neil Shand said the unemployed 33-year-old is remorseful and recognises the severe impact the crime had on the driver. Shand noted that Garland acknowledges his adult life has been “largely unprod- uctive” but added that “he does have a degree of insight into his behaviour.” The court also heard that Garland has recently qualified as a hairdresser and has been using his skills as a barber to help other inmates.


PHTM AUGUST 2026


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