Taxi Driver Online

New Year's Eve robber repeatedly punched taxi driver and demanded money

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news ... ly-2293624

Apparently he's turning his life around though

A robber attacked a taxi driver on New Year's Eve while his accomplice climbed in through the passenger door to steal his phone.

Taxi driver Major Singh was collecting a group of people from a pub at 11pm to drive them to an address in Queens Road, Nuneaton.

But after he dropped them off Kai Mayfield and another man, both wearing hoodies with the hoods up, approached the taxi.

Mayfield demanded his money and punched him four or five times as he refused to hand it over.

At Warwick Crown Court prosecutor Michael Williams said: “But while this was going on with the defendant, his accomplice got in through the passenger door and stole Mr Singh’s mobile phone,” said Mr Williams.

But the group the driver had dropped off were still nearby and saw what was happening – and they recognised Mayfield who was arrested on January 18.

Following his ordeal, Mr Singh says it has left him feeling scared and vulnerable when working at night.

Mayfield, who had a string of previous convictions for offences including robbery, pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court to robbery.

The 22-year-old, previously of London Road, Leicester, but who had been living in Nuneaton, was jailed for three years and nine months.

Mr Williams said Mayfield had previous convictions for 19 offences, including five for street robberies, and was on licence from a three-year sentence for robbery at the time.

What was said in Mayfield's defence?

Sally Cairns, defending, said Mayfield had been recalled following his arrest to continue serving that sentence, and had been making good use of his time.

“He is determined to start a new life on his release.

"He says enough is enough, and he’s done with this type of life. He’s been doing catering courses, and has plans for after his release.”

What did the judge say?

Jailing Mayfield, Judge Andrew Lockhart QC told him: “At night taxi drivers work in our community, and these courts will act to protect those taxi drivers, who are providing a service to others.

“He had been dropping off some people at their home and you, with another, simply decided to attack him. You came to the door of his taxi and demanded money, and he was punched several times to the head.

“You have a very poor record for someone of your age. This must be a significant sentence.”