Another one for Sussex
'Dangerous' armed robber waved down Chatham taxi and held driver at knifepoint
https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-new ... wn-6204287
Matthew Lycett placed a knife against the victim's ribs and stole £160 in cash and has now been jailed
Image: Kent Police/KentLive
An armed robber has been jailed after threatening a Medway taxi driver with a knife.
Matthew Lycett, 28, went to Maidstone Road in Chatham in possession of a knife and flagged down a passing taxi on August 13.
He asked the driver to take him to Byrant Street and once in the rear of the vehicle discussed the cost of the fare.
As the driver started to move off, Lycett asked for the internal light to be switched on and proceeded to lean forward and place a knife against the victim's ribs.
He simultaneously reached into the driver’s jacket pocket and stole £160 in cash.
Lycett, of Mercian Close, Rochester, threatened to cut the victim while demanding more cash and then got out of the taxi and ran off.
The police were called and officers who viewed the taxi’s security camera were able to identify Lycett.
Lycett was later selected by the victim on an identification procedure and was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment, with an extended licence period of four years, on November 12.
Lycett will have to serve two thirds of the prison sentence before he is eligible for release.
Detective Constable Dan Bister of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad said: "Lycett is a violent offender who thought nothing of arming himself with a weapon and threatening to harm his victim.
"Taxi drivers should be able to go about their business without fear of being robbed of their hard earned money at knifepoint.
"Chatham is certainly a safer place now this dangerous criminal is behind bars."
