Taxi Driver Online

Robber jailed for 44 months for knifepoint attack on minicab driver in Whetstone

Wednesday 8th August 2012

A 35-year-old man has been jailed for 44 months for robbery and possession of a knife.

Yesterday Michael Accurso of Friars Avenue, Friary Park, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court.

In the early hours of July 25 a taxi driver collected Accurso and another man from outside the York Arms pub in Oakleigh Road North, Whetstone.

He drove them to a cash point before taking them back to Whetstone.

At this point Accurso and his companion pulled out knives and threatened the taxi driver.

They stole his iPhone, sat nav, a chain and £150 in cash.

As the men left one of them stabbed a tyre of the taxi before running away down an alley.

A search of CCTV enabled police to identify Accurso and, on July 29, they searched his home.

They found the robber hiding in a wardrobe and he was identified by the victim during an identity parade.

Accurso pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and a second of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Police continue to hunt the other man involved.

DC Ian Holmes of Barnet Police said: "Despite his terrifying ordeal the victim has returned to his job as a mini cab driver in order to support his family who rely on his income.

“Such an attack is bound to affect his confidence and honest people going about their honest work deserve the protection of the police and the courts.

"Even with a very early guilty plea Accurso has been given a long prison sentence.

“The court are sending a clear message that those who are working at night, in vulnerable jobs, will be supported and those who see them as easy prey can expect to be severely punished."

Source; http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/9862 ... ab_driver/

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Brummie Cabbie.

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