Taxi Driver Online

VENING CHRONICLE (Newcastle, UK)

August 9, 2006 Wednesday

HEADLINE: Violent thief locked away

BYLINE: By The Evening Chronicle

A taxi driver was attacked and robbed of his takings by a passenger.

When cabbie David Roberts picked up David Sewell he ended up being assaulted and having £100 stolen. Now Sewell, 27, of Eskdale Drive, Jarrow, has been jailed indefinitely after pleading guilty to robbery at Newcastle Crown Court.

Gavin Doig, prosecuting, said: "When Mr Roberts asked to be paid he was given abuse. "Sewell approached him, swinging punches at him and kicking the side of the vehicle. "The defendant then approached Mr Roberts and demanded money. Mr Roberts was extremely frightened and the defendant shouted for his companion and said the companion should stab him."

That didn't happen but Sewell then grabbed Mr Roberts cash bag and fled down Eskdale Drive on November 19 last year. He was traced after fingerprints were found on the car and he was picked out of an identity parade.

Jailing him indefinitely, Judge John Milford said: "There is a high risk of violence in your case and you pose a serious risk to the public. "In my view your level of offending is escalating and you are psychologically unstable and your instability is exacerbated by the fact you indulge in binge drinking."

Sewell was told he will not be considered for parole for at least two years.

Tony Hawks, defending, said: "No weapons were used and there was no actual injuries. He has never caused anybody serious harm despite his convictions." Sewell has previous convictions for offences including assault, dishonesty and obstructing police.
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