A 'cowardly' 22-year-old thug threatened a taxi driver by holding a knife to his neck and demanding cash.
Reece Waring had booked a ride from a hotel in Blackburn at around 8.40am on September 6 when the robbery occured.
But, he had already armed himself with a knife and prepared for a 'pre-meditated' attack on the innocent driver of the taxi, police say.
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Wrongly claiming he was from Salford, Waring waited until the cab had taken him to its pre-booked location in Bunker Hill, Blackburn, before revealing the blade.
He then threatened the driver and demanded cash.
But, when the victim told Waring to get out of his taxi, the 22-year-old held the knife up to his throat.
Luckily, the driver managed to release his seatbelt and get out of the car unhurt.
But, Waring ran away from the scene with £70 in cash.
Just three days later police were able to track him down using CCTV footage and the victim's description of the attacker.
And, Waring was jailed today (February 21) at Preston Crown Court for four years.
“This was a pre-meditated and cowardly offence committed against a completely innocent victim who was just trying to make an honest living," explained DC James Wilde, of Lancashire Police.
“Waring armed himself with a weapon and got into that taxi knowing there was going to be a confrontation – one that could have easily led to the victim losing his life.
“I am pleased the courts have recognised the seriousness of Waring’s actions and I hope he uses his time in custody to reflect on his appalling actions.
“I would also like to thank everybody who worked on securing this conviction. That work has led to a dangerous individual being taken off the streets.”
Waring, formerly of Fearnlea Close, Blackburn, but now of no fixed address, was charged with criminal damage and robbery. He was convicted of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.
