Man accused of taking taxi driver prisoner A MAN accused of keeping a taxi driver prisoner in his own vehicle is set for a crown court date.
Simon Hooper, 27, appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court yesterday, facing charges of unlawful imprisonment, possession of a bladed article and possession of a Class A drug.
The defendant, who stood behind the glass dock after being brought to court from custody, made no pleas.
He is accused of getting into the vehicle of an off-duty taxi driver in Frederick Street, South Shields, at 1.50pm on Saturday, before brandishing a dagger and demanding to be taken on a journey.
He was arrested by police just half an hour later, where he was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of cocaine, as well as the knife.
The defendant, of Blue House Road in Hebburn, was refused bail by magistrates.
He was remanded in custody until his next court hearing, at Newcastle Crown Court, on Tuesday, May 28.
source:
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/crim ... -1-5665286