'Dangerous' man jailed after stabbing taxi driver with needle during Harlow robberyhttps://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-n ... ng-2697230As the victim tried to grab his car keys, Smith stopped him and stuck two needles in his armA "dangerous and violent man" who stabbed a taxi driver in the arm with a needle during a robbery has been jailed for more than six years.
The incident happened at around 8.45pm on October 16 last year when the victim, a man aged in his 30s, picked up a man claiming to be called 'Ian' from the Poplar Kitten pub in Bush Fair, Harlow.
As the driver stopped the car, the passenger put a needle to his neck and demanded money.
The taxi driver handed over his change bag, which contained about £20, but the suspect demanded more and held a second needed to his neck.
The suspect was later identified as 37-year-old David Smith, who then tried to pulled the victim out of the car and hit him with a metal bar.
As the victim tried to grab his car keys, Smith stopped him and stuck two needles in his arm.
Smith then got into the car and drove off, with the victim's wallet containing £200 inside.
Police officers later traced the car to a car park in Kitson Way.
As they approached the car, they saw Smith with two other people standing nearby.
However, the trio walked off, with Smith seen dropping a battle [bottle?] and another item that was later identified as a needle which the officers seized.
The 37-year-old was searched and found in possession of the keys to the stolen taxi.
All three people were arrested.
Smith, of no fixed abode, was charged by police while a man in his 30s and a woman in her 50s were told that they faced no further action.
During a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 1, Smith pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a bladed article, possession of an offensive weapon, driving with no licence and driving with no insurance.
At the same court on March 27, he was sentenced to six years and four months in prison.
Investigating officer, PC Jamie Dawson, from Harlow CID, said: “David Smith threatened and assaulted the victim who was just trying to go about his job.
“No-one should be subjected to that level of fear or violence, let alone at their place of work.
“Smith is a dangerous and violent man and Essex is safer place now he is behind bars.
“He has at least admitted his crimes so prevented the victim from re-living the ordeal through a trial and I hope this sentence will bring some solace to the victim.”
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