Three Teens Jailed for Brutal Taxi Driver Robbery and Stabbing
Three teenagers have been locked up for a total of nine-and-a-half years after a vicious robbery attack on a private hire driver, who was left stabbed in the leg.
Attack Inside Taxi Ends in Violent Stabbing
The chilling assault unfolded on 11 October 2019. The victim, a mini-cab driver in his 30s, picked up the trio from Betstyle Road, Enfield, at around 4.30pm. They asked to be driven to Ivy Road, N14.
But when the taxi stopped, the gang demanded the car keys. One teen attempted to strangle the driver with a seatbelt, while another shocked him with a Taser.
Although the driver escaped the cab, the attackers caught up and stabbed him three times in the leg before snatching the keys. They fled on foot – without stealing the car.
Camera Catches Cruel Criminals in the Act
Dash cam footage shown in court revealed the defendants asking if the camera captured the inside of the vehicle before launching their violent attack.
A quick-thinking bystander helped the victim until paramedics arrived. The stabbing was severe enough to require surgery.
Courts Hand Down Harsh Sentences
- A 16-year-old was sentenced to 4 years and 2 months in a young offender institution after pleading guilty to attempted robbery, possession of a prohibited weapon, and aggravated vehicle taking.
- A 17-year-old received 32 months for attempted robbery, having pleaded guilty earlier in February.
- The last 16-year-old was sentenced to 3 years on 29 April for causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted robbery.
Two were arrested days after the attack during an unrelated robbery probe. The third handed himself in but skipped bail, only to be re-arrested in February 2020.
Detective Praises Public and Police Efforts
“This was clearly a pre-planned attack in which the defendants were intent on using serious violence to get what they wanted,” said Detective Constable James Byrne from the Met’s North Area Robbery Focus Unit.
“The victim suffered a horrific ordeal. His injuries could have been far worse without the swift action of a member of the public and emergency services.
“These youths have now been removed from the streets and are no longer a threat to the community.”
