Taxi Driver Online

Leeds robber jail term cut by appeal court


A heroin-addicted Leeds tearaway who carried out a string of violent robberies across Yorkshire has won a cut in his jail term at London's Court of Appeal.

Jamie Alexander Snow, of Sholebroke Avenue, held up a passer by with a gun, was involved in the terrifying robbery of a taxi driver and threatened pizza shop workers with a fake firearm.

At Leeds Crown Court in April this year, he was jailed for 11 years after admitting robbery, attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

Now top judges ruled that sentence was 'manifestly excessive', observing that Snow's jail term was out of line with that of his co-accused, his brother Aaron Snow, who had pleaded guilty much later and got eight years.

Mr Justice Jack, sitting with Lord Justice Hooper and Mr Justice Cooke, imposed an eight and a half year jail term, but added that Snow, 22, will remain on an 'extended licence' for five years after he is released.

The judges were also told that Snow had suffered a troubled childhood, had begun offending at the age of 12, had been placed in custody on nine previous occasions, and was a £150-a-day heroin addict who turned to crime to fund his drug habit.

Since going to prison for his latest offences, he says he has kicked his addiction.

The court heard that on May 15, 2008, Snow threatened to shoot Steve Aldridge in Scarborough during a robbery when he was returning home from work.

Terrified Mr Aldridge was made to hand over his briefcase, wallet, watch and ring. A sock with Snow's DNA on it was later found in the briefcase.

On May 26 2008, an Asian taxi-driver, Shahzid Ahmed, 33, took a group of men, including Snow and his brother Aaron, from a pub in Headingly to an address in Bramley.

When he pulled up outside, Aaron Snow wrapped a dog chain around his neck, and although he struggled free, he was beaten up by the youngster, racially abused and threatened with death.

Jamie Snow and another man drove off in his car, which was later found abandoned, and property was taken from it, including cash.

On June 17, 2008, Hill Top Pizza, in Ganners Hill, Bramley, was held up by Snow, who was armed with an imitation firearm, and his brother.


During the raid the gun was placed against the head of one of the workers, and Aaron Snow tried to pull a till from the wall, but was thwarted when employees fought back.

Aaron Snow was detained nearby, which eventually led to the arrest of Jamie Snow.

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