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Mother threatened Stoke driver while five-year-old daughter in front seat

Source: Stoke Sentinel

A MUM brandished a knife at a taxi driver while her five-year-old daughter sat in the car, a court heard.

Karen Lycett, aged 36, got into the Inter City private hire vehicle driven by Paul Murtagh in Sun Street, Shelton, at 11pm on April 19.

Her daughter was in the front passenger seat while she sat in the back, behind the driver.

Prosecutor Heather Chamberlin told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday the taxi, which was taking Lycett to her home in Shelton New Road, had only travelled 20 yards when she said: “I have been ripped off by this company before.”

Miss Chamberlin said: “She then said, ‘Look what I have got,’ and thrust her arm over the driver’s shoulder, holding a knife.

“The driver grabbed her arm and twisted it.

“He threw the knife into the well of the front passenger seat, but during the struggle his chin was caught by the knife and he was cut.

“He stopped the car. Lycett and the child got out. Mr Murtagh pressed the emergency button.

“Lycett ran back towards the taxi in a threatening manner.”

The court heard the knife and the child’s coat were left in the taxi.

Lycett was arrested that night and answered no comment to all questions put to her. She maintained that stance in a second interview after being identified by the victim.

Mr Murtagh, who was not seriously injured, said in his victim statement that he would not expect a woman with a child to be carrying a knife.

He said he enjoyed his job but the incident had left him wondering whether it was worth it any more and he was considering his future.

Lycett pleaded guilty to affray and having an article with a blade or point in a public place. Patrick Thompson, defending, conceded that Lycett’s behaviour was totally inexcusable.

“The unfortunate driver should never have had to undergo such an ordeal,” he said.

“She had clearly had far too much to drink. She had been drinking vodka and has limited recollection of how she behaved.

“She admits she had never even used that taxi firm before and can’t understand why she said she had been ripped off by them.”

Mr Thompson urged Judge Paul Glenn to suspend any prison sentence.

“The consequences of a prison sentence for her would be disastrous,” he said.

“Her daughter’s future would be in jeopardy and she would lose her home.”

But the judge said the offence was so serious only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.

He told Lycett: “Your behaviour was totally disgraceful. The taxi driver was simply doing his job.

“He had never met you before and he treated you with courtesy.

“You had it in for the company he worked for.

“You put your arm around his neck and a knife close to his chest and head. It must have been an enormous shock for him.

“You did all this in the presence of your daughter, which is a significant aggravating feature.”

Judge Glenn added: “Offences involving knives are a source of serious public concern.

“Those who carry knives in public must expect custody.”

It never ceases to amaze me (well not anymore) that so many Hackney/Private hire drivers prefer to drive a vehicle that has no safety advantages and drivers don't have a barrier put in (saloons or non Hackney spec mpv's))
The chances are that you will be assaulted verbally or physically at least once in your taxi career so it just common sense to protect yourself at all times
But then again maybe my ex military training has ingrained that in me?

I remember that story it was shocking....