Teenager charged after Leeds taxi driver stabbed in neck over a £3 fare

A teenager has been charged after a Leeds taxi driver was stabbed in the neck over a £3 fare.
Amber Cars taxi driver Jason Scherer was stabbed over a 3 taxi fare. Photo provided by family.Amber Cars taxi driver Jason Scherer was stabbed over a 3 taxi fare. Photo provided by family.
Amber Cars taxi driver Jason Scherer was stabbed over a 3 taxi fare. Photo provided by family.

Jason Scherer, 47, had driven three people to Simpson Grove in Armley at around 5.30am on Friday morning when he was told they were unable to pay for the minimum fare journey.

Jason, a father-of-three, reached to call the Amber Cars office - a firm where he has worked for 19 years - to indicate the fare could not be paid by the customers before he felt what he believed was a punch to his neck.

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After driving around 50 yards down the road to get away from the customers, Jason realised he had been stabbed in the neck and blood was pouring from a wound, his son Connor told the Yorkshire Evening Post.Jason returned to the Amber Cars headquarters where an ambulance was called and he was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary.

This morning, West Yorkshire Police confirmed that a 17-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the attack.

He has been charged with Section 18 Assault, Attempt Robbery and Possession of an Offensive Weapon.

The teenager has been remanded to appear before Leeds magistrates today (Saturday).

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Thankfully, Jason's son Connor has since shared an update to say that his dad will make a full recovery.

He has also set up a Go Fund Me page to help support his father, who will be unable to work as a self-employed taxi driver while he recovers from the attack.

Connor said: "Well, this week ended on a very tragic story for our family. I always thought my first interview with the press would be about some exciting property project.

"Unfortunately it was for a story following the brutal stabbing of my father in the neck while he was trying to complete his work as a taxi driver during the early hours of yesterday morning - it was all over a £3.00 fare.

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"I want so many people for their kind messages, along with dozens of text messages from family, friends, colleagues and just everyone who reached out following the YEP news article.

"Thankfully, my dad will make a full recovery in time but until that time he won't earn any income as a self-employed taxi driver therefore I am raising money.

"I appreciate that not everyone is in a position to donate, but even a share would be a great gesture. For all those interested, the gofundme page also has links to where this has been covered in the media.

The property manager added: "My dad will be listening to Leeds United from his hospital bed today.. Bristol is his target for first game to watch LUFC at ER with me and my brother!"

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A spokesman from Amber Cars said: "Following an appalling stabbing incident, our thoughts are with Jason Scherer & his family.

"We are in regular contact with his family offering as much support as we can. Amber Cars wish him a speedy recovery. We strongly echo the appeal from West Yorkshire Police for witnesses."

More than £350 has been raised to support Jason as he recovers from the attack.

If you would like to donate to Jason's Go Fund Me please visit the page here.