Man Armed with Knives Steals Taxi After Refusing to Pay Fare
A recent incident in Wales has left a taxi driver shaken after a man armed with knives stole his vehicle following a fare dispute. The perpetrator, identified as Jeremy Higgins, had a history of carrying knives and was found to be in possession of two blades when he was apprehended by the police. The shocking ordeal unfolded in Port Talbot, where Higgins and another man initially refused to pay their fare, before later tricking the cab driver and making off with the taxi.
The Swansea Crown Court heard that Higgins and his companion boarded the taxi from Trinity Court in Sandfields and requested to be taken to Dalton Road. However, upon arrival at their destination, the duo abruptly exited the vehicle without settling the fare. Approximately 40 minutes later, Higgins called the taxi driver to Ocean Way, claiming he would pay for both the recent journey and the unpaid fare. When the driver arrived at the location, Higgins refused to honour his promise, leading to a confrontation.
In a moment of aggression, Higgins pushed the taxi driver and swiftly hopped into the driver’s seat before driving off towards Aberavon seafront. The distressed driver promptly reported the incident to the police and embarked on a search for his stolen vehicle. Fortunately, he located the taxi near the RNLI lifeboat station, observing damage to the front of the cab and traces of the vehicle’s reckless journey on the grass outside the station.
Upon the police’s arrival at the scene, Higgins was promptly arrested, and upon searching him, officers discovered two knives in his possession. In the court proceedings, the taxi driver shared how the harrowing experience had left him feeling anxious and nervous, highlighting the significant impact it had on his mental well-being and livelihood. Additionally, it was revealed that the cost to repair the damages to the taxi totalled £683, further compounding the consequences of Higgins’ actions.
During the court hearing, it emerged that Higgins, who pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and possession of bladed articles, had a troubling past marked by convictions for theft, drug possession, and possession of bladed articles. Despite his turbulent history, Higgins’s defence emphasised his desire to overcome his drug addiction, secure employment, and make positive changes in his life.
In sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas KC remarked on the severity of Higgins’ actions and the potential for the incident to escalate into a robbery charge due to the force used against the taxi driver. Despite this, Higgins received a 12-month prison sentence, with a portion to be served consecutively for the aggravated vehicle taking and possession of knives charges. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months, with an extension to account for his incarceration.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by frontline workers like taxi drivers and the importance of upholding respect and civility in all interactions. It also sheds light on the complexities surrounding individuals grappling with substance abuse and the critical need for support and rehabilitation services to prevent further harm to both themselves and others.