Taxi Driver Online

Drunk mum's knife threat to taxi man


A MUM brandished a knife at a taxi driver while her five-year-old daughter sat in the car, a court heard.

Karen Lycett, aged 36, got into the Inter City private hire vehicle driven by Paul Murtagh in Sun Street, Shelton, at 11pm on April 19.

Her daughter was in the front passenger seat while she sat in the back, behind the driver.

Prosecutor Heather Chamberlin told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday the taxi, which was taking Lycett to her home in Shelton New Road, had only travelled 20 yards when she said: "I have been ripped off by this company before."

Miss Chamberlin said: "She then said, 'Look what I have got,' and thrust her arm over the driver's shoulder, holding a knife.

"The driver grabbed her arm and twisted it.

"He threw the knife into the well of the front passenger seat, but during the struggle his chin was caught by the knife and he was cut.

"He stopped the car. Lycett and the child got out. Mr Murtagh pressed the emergency button.

"Lycett ran back towards the taxi in a threatening manner."

The court heard the knife and the child's coat were left in the taxi.

Lycett was arrested that night and answered no comment to all questions put to her. She maintained that stance in a second interview after being identified by the victim.

Mr Murtagh, who was not seriously injured, said in his victim statement that he would not expect a woman with a child to be carrying a knife.

He said he enjoyed his job but the incident had left him wondering whether it was worth it any more and he was considering his future.

Lycett pleaded guilty to affray and having an article with a blade or point in a public place. Patrick Thompson, defending, conceded that Lycett's behaviour was totally inexcusable.

"The unfortunate driver should never have had to undergo such an ordeal," he said.

"She had clearly had far too much to drink. She had been drinking vodka and has limited recollection of how she behaved.

"She admits she had never even used that taxi firm before and can't understand why she said she had been ripped off by them."

Mr Thompson urged Judge Paul Glenn to suspend any prison sentence.

"The consequences of a prison sentence for her would be disastrous," he said.

"Her daughter's future would be in jeopardy and she would lose her home."

But the judge said the offence was so serious only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.

He told Lycett: "Your behaviour was totally disgraceful. The taxi driver was simply doing his job.

"He had never met you before and he treated you with courtesy.

"You had it in for the company he worked for.

"You put your arm around his neck and a knife close to his chest and head. It must have been an enormous shock for him.

"You did all this in the presence of your daughter, which is a significant aggravating feature."

Judge Glenn added: "Offences involving knives are a source of serious public concern.

"Those who carry knives in public must expect custody."

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

It would appear this slag got 8 months.

No where near enough, but better than a good telling off.

_________________
IDFIMH

:shock:


Its good that she was jailed as it may send out a message to others, but why did the driver let the 5 year old in the front, when she should have been in the back where the adult could keep an eye on her

Thats it skip, the driver was obviously breaking his conditions of license.



CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

And the law of under 12s must be in the back.

I know, I think you should email his council asking if they are going to take action

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

No why should I, If i can pick that out so could the council or the police or are you just peed off that i noticed it

not at all that's what you normally do ain't it, contact councils regarding issues?

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Is it?

_________________
IDFIMH

No, but since when has that ever stopped skippy making things up

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Council and my policy

Aint the law of the land

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin