A man has been jailed after an attempted robbery on a taxi driver in South Derbyshire. Martin Sharp admitted the offence along with affray and was also found guilty of possessing an offensive weapon.
The taxi driver was called to Huntingdon Court, Melbourne on May 9th 2010 to pick up a fare.
When he pulled up a group of three men came towards his car and one kicked his door. Sharp approached his window and threatened him with a metal bar and demanded cash.
The driver (38) managed to drive off and contacted police. Following inquiries Sharp was arrested and charged in connection with the offence.
He was also later charged with a separate assault on October 8th 2010 in Eureka Road, Midway on a 26-year-old man and damaging a fence in the same road on the same night. He admitted to both offences.
At a hearing at Derby Crown Court on January 7th 2011, Sharp (18), of High Street, Newhall was sentenced to a total of three years detention in a Young Offenders Institution.
Inspector Paul Cannon, who’s in charge of policing in the area, said: “We will not tolerate violent offences such as those Sharp carried out.
“These types of offences can create fear in local communities, especially when the person targeted is going about their lawful business.
“I hope that the public are reassured by this investigation and subsequent conviction and it deters others from getting involved in similar offences.”
