UNJUST DESERTS


OXFORD KNIFEMAN SPARED JAIL AFTER “APPALLING ATTACK” ON CABBIE


An Oxford man has avoided immediate prison time after threatening to stab a taxi driver and chasing him down the street in a violent row over a fare. Donnelle Ochiela, 28, was handed a suspended sentence at Oxford Crown Court on June 18, after admitting to threatening a person with a knife. The court heard that Ochiela had hired driver Murad Eltayeb to take him from Blackbird Leys


to


Snowdon Mede, leaving his jacket and phone behind as reassurance while the driver waited 20 minutes for him. However, when Ochiela returned, an argument broke out over payment. When Mr Eltayeb threatened to call the police, Ochiela pulled out a


knife and threatened to stab him. The terrified driver fled, but Ochiela chased him down, punching him and kicking him in the groin before running away. He was later arrested by police. The attack has had a devastating impact on the victim, who has since quit his job. In a statement read to the court, Mr


Eltayeb said: “The incident has affected me emotionally. I stopped working as a taxi driver. I’ve been in constant fear and distress. I’ve lived in Oxford for 10 years and I’m thinking of leaving... The impact this has had made me want to leave the UK.” The court heard in mitigation that Ochiela struggles with ADHD and that the attack was unplanned. Condemning the “appalling act,” Judge Recorder Eleanor Sanderson sentenced Ochiela to a 28-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.


He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work, attend 26 rehabilitation sessions, and pay £900 in compensation to victim.


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PHTM JULY 2026


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