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Leeds robber jailed for part in knife raid on taxi drivers
A raider involved in two knife point robberies on taxi drivers, including one in which a victim suffered stab wounds, has been jailed for six years.
Thomas Tyson, 22, of Chapeltown, Leeds, was part of a gang who struck in March and April.
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He pleaded guilty to two offences of robbery, but denied one of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was found not guilty of the wounding.
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Two other robbers are still sought by North East Police Leeds Robbery Team who were commended by the Leeds Crown Court judge.
The court heard that on March 3 this year a 34-year-old taxi driver was attacked by a gang of three men after picking them up seperately at Mexborough Avenue, Chapeltown, the junction with Chapeltown Road, and Woodhouse.
He had been asked by the gang to drive them to Marian Terrace, Woodhouse, where the attack then took place.
All three attacked the cabby's head and pinned him to his seat, before one of the attackers brandished a knife and demanded cash. He was forced to handed over his cash bag containing 70.
The gang then demanded more money and threatened to stab the driver. They took his wallet and removed his satellite navigation system.
At this point the man with the knife lashed out, causing a 3-4inch wound to the driver's left hand and a deep wound to his left rib area. Before making off, the gang disabled the driver's radio so he could not call help.
Thomas's fingerprints were found inside and outside the taxi and he was linked to the offence through mobile phone enquiries.
He had used the mobile phone involved a number of times to call taxis to and from his home address of 27 Grange Avenue.
The court also heard that on April 6, a 25-year-old cabby received a call at 11pm to a fare at Potternewton Heights.
The person making the booking used the same telephone number as before.
Two black men got in the taxi and directed him to Leeds city centre where they asked to be dropped at Back Newton Grove, Chapeltown – a cul-de-sac with a ginnel that allows exit on foot.
There, one of the men grabbed him around the neck and put a knife to his throat.
The second passenger searched the taxi and stole 40, the driver's mobile phone and a navigation system.
The robbers made off through the ginnel.
The knife used was described as a 10in kitchen knife. The taxi had been booked by a phone number previously used to book taxis from Tyson's home address in his name.
Speaking after the court case, Det Sgt Marcus Dawson, said: "Thomas' sentence reflects the very serious nature of these two robberies and the level of violence which was extremely high for a relatively small amount of money.
"Fortunately both drivers were not seriously injured and I hope seeing Thomas put behind bars will help them move on from what must have been a very frightening experience."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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