JUST DESERTS


100MPH DERBY TAXI THIEF JAILED FOR SIX YEARS AFTER KNIFEPOINT ROBBERY AND POLICE CHASE


A 26-year-old Derby man has been sentenced to six years in prison after a violent robbery, high-speed chase, and subsequent arrest. Leonard David pleaded guilty to robbery, dangerous driving and possession of a knife following a knifepoint taxi theft and culminated in a 100mph pursuit through Derby city centre. The ordeal began in the early hours of 28 October, when David booked a taxi from Hartington Street. Upon entering the vehicle, he became aggressive and demanded money from the driver, repeatedly punching him in the face. “Do as I say or I will kill you,” David


threatened, then ordered the driver out of the car, stole the keys, and sped off. Police located the stolen taxi and attempted a stop, but David refused to comply, leading officers on a dangerous chase through pedestrian areas, ignoring red lights, speeding up to 100mph and driving the wrong way around a roundabout The pursuit was called off due to safety concerns. The stolen taxi was later found abandoned and police located


David and after a foot chase, he was apprehended, the cab keys and class B drugs were found on him. PC Natalie Morton, who led the investigation, said: “This incident has understandably a long-lasting impact on the taxi driver both mentally and financially. “He was subjected to horrendous violence and threats all while simply doing his job, and was then unable to work for days while the car was repaired after David damaged it.” David was also given a six-year driving ban at Derby Crown Court on 16 January, after which he must pass an extended driving test.


KNIFE WIELDING MAN WHO STOLE PORT TALBOT TAXI AFTER FARE DISPUTE JAILED FOR 12 MONTHS


A taxi passenger who refused to pay his fare before stealing the vehicle and subsequently being found in possession of two knives has been sentenced. Jeremy Higgins, 31, appeared at Swansea Crown Court which heard that Higgins and another man ordered a taxi in the early hours of 23 November last year from Port Talbot. Upon arrival, both passengers exited the vehicle without paying. 40 minutes later, Higgins con- tacted the driver again, requesting another pick-up from promising to pay for both journeys. After a 20- minute wait, Higgins approached the taxi but refused to pay. The court heard the cabbie got out to speak to Higgins who then pushed him in the chest before jumping


PHTM MARCH 2025


into the cab and driving towards the sea- front. The


cabbie contacted the police and then headed towards the seafront himself, where he found his damaged vehicle. Higgins was still inside the car and appeared to be searching the interior. Police arrived and arrested Higgins, finding two knives on his person. In a victim impact statement, the taxi driver described the incident’s effect on his livelihood, stating that it left him “anxious and stressed’ and “very nervous” when picking up passengers. He also revealed that he only had third-party


insurance, and the damage to his cab cost £683 to repair. Higgins pleaded guilty


to


aggravated vehicle taking and possession of a bladed article. He had originally been charged with robbery, but the CPS opted for the lesser charge, a decision Judge Paul Thomas KC called “very fortunate” for the defendant. The judge also questioned the taxi driver’s choice of only having third- party insurance. Higgins, who has convictions for theft, drug possession, and possession of bladed articles, was sentenced to 12 months in prison (four months for aggravated vehicle taking and eight months for knife possession), to run consecutively. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.


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