Man jailed for six years following ‘terrifying’ knifepoint robbery of taxi driver

Image credit: Cleveland Police

A man who carried out a terrifying knifepoint robbery on a taxi driver in Stockton has been jailed for six years and four months with two years on extended licence.

Lee Wood, 28, held a knife to the throat of a taxi driver on Ingleton Road in Stockton on 27 December 2022, and threatened to stab him while demanding money from him.

Thankfully, the driver managed to jump out of the vehicle and was unharmed but was left extremely shaken by the incident.

Wood then made off in the taxi, which was tracked to Stewart Road, where Response officers found the vehicle abandoned.

CCTV footage captured Wood entering the taxi while the vehicle’s dashcam caught audio of the incident.

Officers soon arrested and charged Wood with robbery, possession of a knife, aggravated vehicle taking, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.

After pleading guilty to the charges at Teesside Crown Court on 14 June, he appeared at the same court on Wednesday 11 October for sentencing.

Detective Constable Ryan Thompson said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim who was just doing his job. Thankfully the driver wasn’t injured but this has had a lasting impact on him.

“I’m pleased with today’s sentence handed to Lee Wood which means one more dangerous offender is off the streets and serving time in jail.

“I hope this sentence sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour and we will act swiftly to ensure anyone committing such crimes will be dealt with appropriately.”