Four-year jail term for driver who threatened taxi driver with 2ft pole and crashed car into a house
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A disqualified driver who threatened a taxi driver with a weapon and caused significant damage during a chaotic night behind the wheel has been jailed for four years.
Naill Duffy, 25, flagged down a taxi in the early hours of Saturday, 8 February, by flashing his headlights. When the vehicle stopped, he approached carrying a 2ft pole and demanded money from the driver.
After being told there was no cash in the cab, Duffy launched into a series of racial slurs, stole the taxi’s dashcam and drove away.
He then crashed his vehicle into a nearby house, damaging both the porch and living room, as well as a neighbour’s fence. His rampage continued when he hit a barrier and the approach ramp at a local community centre.
Police pursued Duffy through the village at high speed before he crashed again, this time into a country road fence. He attempted to flee but was quickly arrested and taken into custody.
Appearing at Durham Crown Court, Duffy admitted robbery, carrying an offensive weapon, racially aggravated fear of violence, dangerous driving, and a string of motoring offences including driving while disqualified and without insurance. He also admitted criminal damage, failing to stop, and refusing to provide a breath sample.
He was banned from driving for seven years and must take an extended test to regain his licence.
Detective Constable Ash Hagar, of Peterlee CID, said: “This was extremely traumatic for all the victims in this case, and it has had a significant impact on them.
“I am grateful for all their support throughout this investigation.
“Hate crime in any form has no place in our society and we will not tolerate it.
“We want to send a clear message to anyone who commits these types of offences, that your actions have real consequences, and you will be dealt with robustly.”
