Dangerous robber who held up a taxi driver at knifepoint is jailed for five years.
A MAN who held up a taxi driver at knifepoint has been jailed for five years after being branded a danger to the public by a judge.
Liam Bishop - who has three other robbery convictions on his record - will have to serve an extended period on licence after his release.
Bishop, 22, of Laurel Avenue, Middlesbrough, complained from the dock at Teesside Crown Court about the length of his sentence.
And stunned supporters in the public gallery moaned to Judge Peter Bowers: "You've ruined his life. He's only 22, you know."
The court heard how the victim had just started driving the taxi that night as a favour to his brother-in-law - but will never do it again.
In an impact statement, he said he feared for his life when Bishop pulled a knife and demanded the car's satellite navigation system.
The driver was also twice punched in the face after Bishop asked to be taken on a 4.30am fare from Middlesbrough to nearby Grangetown.
Andrew Teate, mitigating, admitted it was "an unsavoury incident" but said Bishop held the blade 20 inches away from his victim.
"He has a desire to distance himself from the use of illicit substances, which were in use that night," Mr Teate told Judge Bowers.
"He has a caring family, a young child and a partner of three years - that relationship he hopes will continue to be strong and flourish while he is in custody."
Bishop admitted robbery and will be on an extended recall licence of two years once he completes his prison sentence.
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