'Caring family man' who pulled knife on taxi driver is jailed



A FATHER-TO-BE who pulled a knife on a taxi driver has been jailed for three-and-a-half years. Keiron Robins produced the blade after Yellow Cabs driver Abdiaziz Malin picked him up from Stockwood.

Bristol Crown Court heard that Mr Malin handed over £55 when Robins said: "I stick you with this knife or you give me your money."

Robins, 26, of Sturminster Road, Bristol, pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing a knife. He asked for offences of theft and criminal damage to be considered.

Judge Michael Harington told him: "The offences are so serious neither a fine nor a community sentence are justified. I hope you come out of prison able to turn over a new leaf and avoid further offences in future."

Julian Howells, prosecuting, said Robins was seen smashing a window of the McDonald's restaurant in The Horsefair and police were called to respond to that as well as damage to bus shelters. When a "slurring and aggressive" Robins was found in Stokes Croft, he told police: "If you touch me I'll batter you," and took off his top, the court heard.

He was zapped with a stun gun and arrested, before being released on police bail.

Mr Howells said six days later Robins robbed taxi driver Mr Malin, leaving the cabbie extremely shocked.

The day afterwards Robins stole two dog treats and two dog leads from the Wilkinson store in central Bristol and was detained by security staff.

Robins told police who arrested him: "Putting a knife to a taxi driver is going to get me jailed, isn't it?" He admitted not intending to pay for the ride and accepted causing damage when he had been drinking after an argument with his girlfriend.

Nigel Fryer, defending, said his client had not "stuck two fingers up to society" but had struggled with mental-health issues and had problems without or with changes to medication. Mr Fryer said Robins had a son, and another child on the way. Mr Fryer said: "His partner's view is he is a caring family man."

source: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Caring-fam ... story.html