Taxi Driver Online

Oxford thug sentenced after threatening to stab taxi driver

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/26206 ... xi-driver/



A thug threatened a taxi driver with a knife and chased him before punching and kicking him in an 'appalling act', a court heard.

Donnelle Ochiela, of Tern Walk, Oxford, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on June 18.

The 28-year-old pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial, earlier this year, to threatening a person with a knife.

The offence took place on April 12, 2024 and the victim was a taxi driver called Murad Eltayeb.

Prashant Shah, prosecuting, told the court that Ochiela booked a taxi to pick him up from Blackbird Leys on the day in question.

The defendant asked Mr Eltayeb to take him to a location and wait for him. However he initially refused to do this.

However, when they got to the location, which was Snowdon Mede, Ochiela left his phone and jacket in the car as proof he would return.

Mr Eltayeb then waited for him for around 20 minutes.

When he returned, Mr Eltayeb got out of the taxi and threatened to call the police if Ochiela didn't pay.

Ochiela then pulled out a knife and threatened to stab him. He also chased him before punching and kicking him in the groin.

Ochiela fled the scene and was later arrested.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Eltayeb said: "The incident has affected me emotionally. I stopped working as a taxi driver.

"I've been in constant fear and distress. I've lived in Oxford for 10 years and I'm thinking of leaving.

"I promised myself I would never leave Oxford. The impact this has had made me want to leave the UK.

"I have financial difficulties as I'm no longer working."

The court heard that Ochiela made no comments in his police interview and initially denied the offence.

Mr Shah said: "This has had a financial impact on the victim."

The court heard that this incident was Ochiela's first offence, but he has committed others since.

In mitigation, the court heard that Ochiela has struggled with ADHD and that the offence wasn't planned.

Judge Recorder Eleanor Sanderson said: "You pulled out a knife and threatened him. He ran away and you chased him.

"Dashcam footage showed you shouting 'I'll stab you up'. The event was terrifying.

"It's plain the offending had a significant impact on his ability to work. The offence caused serious alarm and distress to the victim."

The judge added: "This was an appalling act which targeted a blameless victim.

"The effect has been deep and long lasting."

Ochiela was given a 28-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was ordered to complete 26 accredited sessions and 150 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay compensation of £900.

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