Taxi Driver Brutally Attacked in South Shields Sham Flat Tyre Scam
Marc Mackie and Conna Sinclair left a cabbie battered with a broken nose and serious facial injuries. The pair conned the driver with a fake flat tyre story before launching their vicious attack in the early hours of April 11.
Heartless Robbery to Fund Drug Habits
After luring the victim out of his taxi on Osbourne Avenue, South Shields, Mackie, 31, pummeled him with punches and kicks. Meanwhile, Sinclair, 22, stole £130 from a drawstring bag inside the vehicle. The terrified driver suffered cuts to his head, bruising behind his ear and a broken nose.
Cowardly Duo Given Combined 11-Year Jail Term
Yesterday at Newcastle Crown Court, Mackie was jailed for six years after pleading guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article. Sinclair was handed five years and two months for robbery.
“This was an appalling attack which left the driver with significant injuries,” said Detective Sergeant Aidan Hall from Northumbria Police. “Mackie and Sinclair showed total disregard for their victim, carrying out this frightening ordeal purely to fund their drug habits.”
The victim, who worked long, unsocial hours to support his family, spoke out bravely in court:
“If someone needed money, I would have given it to them – they didn’t need to do this. The physical and psychological scars from this attack will stay with me for a very long time.”
Police Send Clear Message on Street Violence
DS Hall added: “We will not tolerate this kind of violence on our streets. Mackie and Sinclair should be ashamed. They must now face the severe consequences of their actions.”
