Christmas in prison for threatening taxi driverA PASSENGER who held a "sharp object" to a taxi driver's neck and stole back the money he had given him for the fare will spend Christmas in prison waiting to be sentenced.
Lascalle Carter, 32, was picked up from outside Yellow Cabs in Bedminster Parade in the early hours of Christmas Eve last year.
After the driver refused to take him any further but agreed to take him back to the taxi rank he placed a sharp object at the back of the driver's neck, asking him 'Do you want me to cut you up and pour some blood?'
The driver then drove him to several premises around Bristol before seizing his opportunity to escape and call the police.
Carter, of Staveley Crescent, Southmead, admitted taking the money but denied robbery saying no weapon was produced and no threats were made but was found guilty on Wednesday after a three-day trial held at Bristol Crown Court.
Paul Cook, prosecuting, said: "At 1.30am a taxi driver by the name of Mr Khalid was informed a fare was awaiting him at the office so he made his way there and found a man waiting outside.
"The man, who had a bleeding left hand and was talking on his mobile phone, jumped into the taxi.
"He asked to be taken to Hotwells. Mr Khalid asked for the money which in line with company policy.
"The defendant put two £5 notes on the dashboard and said 'There's the money – just get me to the destination and I will pay you'.
"Mr Khalid drove to Hotwells and then to the Orchard public house. He then took him to another address and he was told to wait outside.
"It had become apparent that the defendant was under the influence of drugs. When he returned he asked to be taken to Bedminster.
"He then said he wanted to be taken to Kingswood. As Mr Khalid approached Temple Meads he realised that the fare he had been given was not going to cover the journey.
"He told the defendant 'You are going to have to get out of my cab. I am not willing to do this job'.
"He gave him back £3 which he owed him. The defendant became aggressive and Mr Khalid said he would take him back to Yellow Cabs.
"As he drove along York Road the defendant started searching around in his jacket pockets.
"He then grabbed the front of the driver's head and put a sharply pointed object to his neck saying: 'I don't want to do this – you are making me do it. Do you want me to cut you up and pour some blood?'
"Mr Khalid stopped and gave him the two £5 notes and said 'I'm sorry. I'll take you. Calm down'.
"Mr Khalid eventually took the defendant to Staveley Crescent where the defendant said he was going to grab a packet of cigarettes but would be straight back.
"Mr Khalid seized the opportunity to flee in his taxi and called 999.
"Shortly afterwards police attended Staveley Crescent where a woman answered the door and said her boyfriend was upstairs.
"He was arrested and a blue craft knife with a three-inch blade was seized from his jacket pocket."
Carter was due to be sentenced yesterday but his barrister George Threlfall had been admitted to hospital and he requested that his sentencing wait until Mr Threlfall had recovered to defend him.
Judge Neil Ford agreed to the request and ordered a pre sentence report but remanded him in custody until his sentencing on January 5, where further mitigation for Carter's actions will be heard.
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