By Portsmouth pair jailed after attack in taxi
A pair of robbers who used an iPhone as a weapon in a ‘frightening’ attack on a taxi driver have been jailed at Portsmouth Crown Court.
Ryan Keen and Gary Crawley have been jailed for three years each after robbing the 29-year-old taxi driver last year.
The pair entered the taxi in West Street, Fareham.
They launched their attack in Queens Road, Fareham, at around 02:00 on the 30th of September, when Keen, 25, who was in the back, pressed his iPhone against the man’s throat demanding cash.
The victim then handed over £100 and his phone believing that the item held to his neck was a knife, as the robbers had also made threats to cut the victim.
Dashcam footage captured the incident and recorded the pair threatening the driver.
Following the sentencing of this Portsmouth pair after their attack on a taxi driver, Detective Constable David Midgley said:
“This was initially a fast-paced investigation into what was a frightening ordeal for the taxi driver.
The victim’s quick thinking and immediate call to the police meant local officers were able arrest the suspects nearby.
The offenders had deliberately targeted a lone worker and made him believe a knife was being used against him.
Thanks to the taxi company having on-board cameras, both defendants had to accept their fate and entered guilty pleas.
This sentence shows that the criminal justice system deals with public place violence crime robustly.
We hope our swift action on this case reassures those living and working in the area that we will take action against those who threaten our communities.”
The defendants, both of Queens Road in Fareham, admitted robbery on Monday at Portsmouth Crown Court. They have now been jailed.
Contact Gi Portsmouth
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
