A MAN who assaulted a taxi driver, stabbed him in the arm with a needle, and stole his car has been jailed for more than six years.

The victim, a man in his 30s, picked up a man claiming to be called ‘Ian’ from the Poplar Kitten pub in Bush Fair, Harlow at around 8.45pm on October 16, 2018 and took him to an address in Fern Hill Lane.

As the victim stopped the car, his passenger put a needle to his neck and demanded money.

He handed over his change bag which had about £20 inside but the man – later identified as 37 year-old David Smith – demanded more and held a second needle to his neck.

Smith then tried to pull the victim out of the car and hit him to the leg with a metal bar. The victim tried to grab his car keys but Smith stopped him and stuck two needles in his arm.

Smith then got into the car and drove off. Still inside the car was the victim’s wallet which had about £200 inside.

Officers were able to trace the car to a car park in Kitson Way. As they approached the vehicle they saw Smith and two other people standing by it.

As the officers approached them, the trio walked off. As they did, Smith was seen to drop a bottle and another item, later identified as a needle which the officers seized.

When Smith was searched he was found to be in the possession of the keys to the stolen taxi. A comparison of CCTV from the Poplar Kitten and body worn footage from one of our officers

All three people were arrested.

Smith, of no fixed address, was charged while the other two people – a man in his 30s and a woman in her 50s – were told they faced no further action.

At a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 1 Smith pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a bladed article, possession of an offensive weapon, driving with no licence, and driving with no insurance.

At the same court today (Wednesday, March 27), he was sentenced to six years and four months in prison.

Investigating officer, PC Jamie Dawson, from Harlow CID, said: “David Smith threatened and assaulted the victim who was just trying to go about his job.
“No-one should be subjected to that level of fear or violence, let alone at their place of work.

“Smith is a dangerous and violent man and Essex is safer place now he is behind bars.

“He has at least admitted his crimes so prevented the victim from re-living the ordeal through a trial and I hope this sentence will bring some solace to the victim.”