Taxi Driver Online

THUG JAILED FOR ROBBING TAXI DRIVER

A THUG who robbed a taxi driver of his takings has been jailed for four years.

Richard Spottiswood grabbed the cabbie from behind and pushed him into the footwell of his car to get the £70 cash.

The attack left the driver, who worked for Bede Taxis in Jarrow, shocked and with damaged glasses and a ripped coat.

At Newcastle Crown Court earlier this month, Spottiswood, 23, of Ebchester Street, South Shields, admitted taking the money but denied robbery, claiming he used no violence.

But after a trial, jurors found him guilty of robbery and he was back in court yesterday to be sentenced.

The court heard how in March last year Spottiswood was spared jail over the stabbing of a former member of the infamous 'Boss' gang who had come to his home.

It also heard he has a string of other previous convictions, including assaulting police. Defence barrister Glen Gatland told the court no serious injury was caused to the cabbie during the late night attack in April.
Mr Gatland said since Spottiswood has been remanded in custody he has earned a position of responsibility within the jail and is not a danger to the public.

Mr Gatland added: "It's quite simply that if he has a drink he acts in a stupid way."

Judge Michael Cartlidge jailed Spottiswood for four years. The judge told him: "The driver was a vulnerable victim."

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Impressed with the judge.

We are vulnerable, and how refreshing to see the courts agreeing.

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IDFIMH