Knife-wielding thug jailed after robbing taxi driver in Blackburn
Reece Waring’s brazen knife robbery
Reece Waring, 22, lured a taxi driver to Blackburn before threatening him at knifepoint. At 8.40am on September 6, Waring phoned a taxi from a local hotel and arranged to be picked up from a nearby street. He climbed in claiming to be from Salford but couldn’t name exactly where.
When the taxi stopped in Bunkers Hill Close, Blackburn, Waring pulled a knife and demanded all the driver’s cash. Even when told to get out, the thug pressed the blade to the driver’s throat, repeating his demand for money.
Taxi driver escapes, robber vanishes with £70
The quick-thinking taxi driver managed to unbuckle his seatbelt and flee unhurt. Waring then ran off, fleeing the scene with £70.
Police swoop leads to arrest
After piecing together CCTV footage and the driver’s description, police tracked down Waring three days later. He was arrested and charged with criminal damage, robbery, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Four years behind bars
Waring, formerly of Fearnlea Close, Blackburn, now with no fixed address, was convicted at Preston Crown Court and sentenced to four years in prison on February 21.
Detective Constable James Wilde said: “This was a premeditated and cowardly offence against an innocent man just trying to make an honest living.”
“Waring armed himself with a weapon and got into that taxi knowing there would be a confrontation – one that could have easily led to the victim losing his life.”
“I am glad the courts recognised the seriousness of his actions. I hope he uses his time in custody to reflect on what he did.”
“Thanks to everyone who worked on securing this conviction and took a dangerous individual off the streets.”
