Taxi Driver Online

Jail for men who robbed a taxi driver at knifepoint in Halifax

Two men have been given long custodial sentences after a taxi driver was robbed at knifepoint in Ovenden, Halifax, last year. Cabbie Arfan Hussain had picked up Joshua Hoy, Lee Connors and Kyle Mitchell from a house at about 11pm, but during the journey Hoy told him to stop and demanded his money.

Prosecutor Georgina Coade said Hoy, who had been sitting behind the driver, got out a 10-inch kitchen knife which he held against the complainant’s throat. Connors, who was a front seat passenger, then started searching the vehicle and took Mr Hussain’s iPhone. After further demand, Mr Hussain also handed over a cashbox and the trio fled with an estimated £100 in cash.

Bradford Crown Court heard tthat the cabbie was uninjured in the incident last September and was able to report the robbery when he returned to his taxi office. Hoy, 19, of Columbus Street, Lee Mount, Halifax, was sent to a young offenders institution for four years and six months after he admitted the robbery allegation.

Connors, 28, of Denfield Avenue, Ovenden, Halifax, also admitted the robbery charge and was jailed for three years and four months. The court heard that Connors had a previous conviction for robbery and Hoy committed the offence in breach of anti-social behaviour order.

Mitchell, 18, pleaded guilty to a charge of handling stolen goods after he was given £10 or £15 from the proceeds of the robbery. Judge Robert Bartfield suspended his nine-month custodial sentence for 12 months, but also ordered him to do 100 hours unpaid work for the community. Mitchell will also be subject to a four-month night-time curfew between 8pm and 6am.

Judge Bartfield told Hoy that despite his age he already had a significant criminal record and he had been causing trouble for a long time. He said Hoy took a leading role in the robbery which involved a vulnerable victim who was serving the public.

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