Man jailed after robbing taxi driver at knifepoint

A man who robbed a taxi driver at knifepoint has been jailed for five years and seven months.

James Smith, 38, formerly of Coppice Gate in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a bladed article in a public place and fraud.

Shortly before 01:40 GMT on 11 January, Smith entered a taxi in River Leys wearing a face covering. He grabbed the victim from behind and held a knife to his throat.

The victim screamed in fear and then gave Smith money and his bank cards, one of which was used at a local petrol station hours later, leading to Smith's capture.

The victim was not physically injured but shaken by what happened, police said.

Gloucestershire Police officers, along with a dog handler, traced Smith back to his home address where he was arrested.

They found the stolen bank cards inside Smith's home as well as the knife he had used to threaten the victim.

Smith was arrested at the scene and initially denied the offences; blaming another person.

He was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on 5 March.

Investigating officer Michael Harvey, from the Criminal Investigation Department, said he was "pleased" with the outcome.

"This was an extremely distressing incident for the taxi driver who was simply doing his job," he said.

"Smith used a knife to force the victim into handing over his bank cards and money before using them for his own gain."

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.