Two men jailed for kidnapping cabbie during terrifying Northamptonshire taxi ride
Two men have been imprisoned following the kidnapping of a taxi driver in Barton Seagrave.
On the evening of 4 November 2023, a group of passengers entered a pre-booked taxi in Leeson Crescent, Barton Seagrave. Among them were Corey Stafford, 30, and Shannon John Johanson, 31, both previously residents of Northampton.
The driver requested the fare in advance. However, one of the men responded, “I’m not going to give you the money, you are going to give me your money”.
The driver was then assaulted, punched several times before one of the men brandished a knife and stole his wallet, mobile phone, and taxi driver ID badge.
Under duress, the driver was forced to drive the group to their destination. Despite the situation, he managed to alert his control room by speaking in another language.
Police were called, leading to the arrest of Stafford and Johanson on suspicion of kidnap. An investigation ensued, and both men were subsequently charged.
After pleading guilty at Northampton Crown Court in May, Stafford and Johanson were sentenced on 7 June to three years and nine months each in prison.
Lead investigator, Detective Constable Neil Carr, said: “Tackling serious violence is a priority for Northamptonshire Police and when an incident like this happens we will do everything we can to put the offenders behind bars.
“This taxi driver was simply doing his job and everyone should be able to do that without fear of violence or attack.
“I am pleased that we have managed to get justice for him and I hope the conclusion of this case allows him some closure. I’d like to thank him for his support throughout this investigation and for the courage he has shown.”
