Teen gang jailed for Leicester cab driver robberiesThree teenagers have been jailed after two "frightening" armed robberies on city taxi drivers.
A gang robbed one cabbie at gun-point and then, the following day, two youths threatened another taxi driver with knives before taking his cash, phone and car. Yesterday, Levi Kemp (17) was jailed for three years, while 16-year-olds Claudio Monteiro and Tanyaradzwa Marocha were sentenced to 18 months in prison.
It was Kemp's father who reported his son to police and handed in the BB gun his son had used during one of the robberies. Judge Michael Pert said: "These were planned armed robberies of taxi drivers by youths with the use of guns and knives. If you had been older they would have merited substantial prison sentences."
Prosecutor John Hallissey said four youths, including Kemp and Monteiro, called a private hire driver from Beaumont Taxis and asked him to stop in Thurcaston Road, Belgrave, Leicester, at 8.30pm on Sunday January 15.
Mr Hallissey told Leicester Crown Court: "At first, he thought it was a joke. But when he saw the gun it turned into a frightening ordeal.
"The driver felt what was like a gun in his back. One of the youths got out and pointed another gun at his waist.
"He was ordered to hand over the money bag and his mobile phone. He was told he would be shot if he did not obey.
"He was ordered out the car and he obeyed as his legs were shaking. They then drove off in his vehicle, which was later recovered."
Mr Hallissey said Kemp and Marocha were involved in a similar robbery the next day at 6.30pm, where a driver was threatened at knifepoint in Trent Avenue, Beaumont Leys.
He said: "Two knives were pulled and the driver handed over his cash and mobile phone and they took the car."
He said the youths were arrested after they were spotted driving the second taxi by a police officer. He said the two firearms, one a BB gun and the other a metal replica, were recovered by the police.
Kemp, of Chadwick Walk, Beaumont Leys, admitted robbery and possessing a firearm at an earlier hearing.
Monteiro, of New Parks Boulevard, New Parks, admitted robbery on January 15 at an earlier hearing. Marocha, of Jean Drive, Abbey Park, admitted the robbery on January 16 at the same hearing.
A 17-year-old arrested in connection with the first robbery has since absconded.
Sarah Porter, for Kemp, said: "His parents are hardworking and respectable and are at a loss as to why he has suddenly gone off the rails. It was his father who shopped him by handing the firearm to police.
"He is very immature and does not realise the seriousness of the offences. He said it was down to boredom."
Sally Bamford, for Monteiro, said her client went along with the crowd.
"He comes from a good background and is bright and articulate. His family are also at a loss at why he has done this."
Matthew Smith, for Marocha, said: "He had a very bright future. But he has buried his head in the sand and has stopped going to school."
After the hearing, Arif Karim, the boss of Beaumont Taxis, said: "We are pleased the gang that robbed our driver has been jailed. That sends out the right message to anyone who is thinking about robbing a taxi.
"The driver they held up was badly shaken but has now returned to work."
The sentence was also welcomed by taxi drivers union representative Gurpal Singh Atwal, who said: "I am pleased firm action has been taken. All taxi and private hire drivers are public servants and have the right to be protected."
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/T ... story.html
Login
Register
FAQ
