Cabbie Ran for His Life When a Violent Passenger Attacked and Robbed Him

A cabbie from Leicester was left frightened for his life after an intoxicated and drug-fuelled passenger punched him in the side of his head and forced him to hand over all his money.

The 27 years old passenger, Ashley Mackley, along with two other men, became aggressive after the driver asked for payment of £10 upfront. On arrival at their destination, Mackley got out of the taxi and furiously ordered the driver to return the money he gave him earlier. The driver, fearing Mackley, returned the money.

After taking his £10, the passenger then demanded all the driver’s money and punched him to the side of his head. He then attempted to snatch the driver’s mobile phone. The driver was able to grab his phone and exit the taxi quickly. The passenger then began to chase his victim down the street but was unsuccessful in catching.

As reported, the driver informed the police after returning to the cab, and the passenger took valuable items including a satellite navigation system, his driving spectacles, his taxi licence and a bag containing about £35 in change. The police officers were able to arrest Mackley when he returned and was identified by the driver.

The driver said he had never been attacked in his 18 years of driving a career. Mackley, of Loughborough, was given an 18-month jail sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work and will have to pay £240 compensation to the taxi driver.