Darwen cocaine addict who robbed taxi driver at knifepoint is jailed

Reece Waring was staying at the Premier Inn in Darwen on the night of September 5 last year, after a fall-out with his parents had rendered him homeless.

His auntie had paid for him to spend the night at the hotel, and the following day he made a phone call for a taxi to come and pick him up just down the road, at the end of Dominica Avenue.

Preston Crown Court heard how the 22-year-old, who was 21 at the time, got into the taxi and within five minutes had asked the driver to stop, and pulled a knife from his pocket.

Prosecuting, Nicholas Flanagan said: "He threatened the driver and demanded all of his cash.

"Threats were made to stab the taxi driver, and he tried to unfasten his belt, with the defendant demanding more money.

"The driver managed to get out of the car but left his money bag inside with £70 in it.

"The defendant then got out of the taxi and ran down the street.

"He was arrested and interviewed on September 10, and was found with a multi-tool on his person."

In a victim impact statement the taxi driver said the incident had made him feel scared as he thought he was going to be seriously injured.

Waring, of Bolton Road, Darwen, has previous convictions for driving while disqualified and failing to comply with community orders, one of which was still active when these offences were committed.

Defending Waring, James Heyworth said his client was full of genuine remorse and had been a victim of a machete attack in the past so was aware of how it feels to be threatened with a knife.

Mr Heyworth said: "He has been addicted to crack cocaine since he was 16 which hasn't helped his behaviour.

"He was homeless at the time and it was quite clear he was not going to pay for the taxi, he has been honest about that.

"He is mortified that this happened as he is not the type of person who would usually carry out a knife point robbery."

Waring pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article and was jailed for four years.

Recorder Sophie Cartwright said: "This was an offence you planned as you had armed yourself with a knife and threatened to stab the taxi driver, who describes being terrified and feared he was going to be seriously injured."

DC James Wilde, of Lancashire Police, said: “This was a pre-meditated and cowardly offence committed against a completely innocent victim who was just trying to make an honest living.

“Waring armed himself with a weapon and got into that taxi knowing there was going to be a confrontation – one that could have easily led to the victim losing his life.

“I am pleased the courts have recognised the seriousness of Waring’s actions and I hope he uses his time in custody to reflect on his appalling actions.

“I would also like to thank everybody who worked on securing this conviction. That work has led to a dangerous individual being taken off the streets.”