Teen Jailed for Three and Half Years After Knifepoint Taxi Robberies
An 18-year-old has been locked up for over three years after a terrifying knifepoint robbery spree targeting taxi drivers in Wraysbury.
Violent Taxi Attacks Over One Week
George Appleton, from Watts Hill Cottages, Wraysbury, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and possession of a bladed article at Reading Crown Court on Thursday (11 April).
His crime spree unfolded between 6 and 12 May 2018, where he attacked three separate taxi drivers, threatening them with a knife and stealing cash and wallets.
Knifepoint Robberies Left Drivers Injured
- 6 May: At 2:35am on Ferry Lane, Appleton threatened a 53-year-old taxi driver with a knife and stole cash. The driver suffered head injuries and bruising.
- 11 May: Around 2:50am, he assaulted another driver, 44, on Ferry Lane, causing a nasty head gash.
- 12 May: Near 3am in Park Lane, Datchet, a 38-year-old driver was attacked. Appleton stole the victim’s wallet and cash, leaving him cut above the eye and badly bruised.
Swift Arrest and Hard-Hitting Sentence
Appleton was arrested the same day as his last attack and charged months later in November 2018. After his guilty plea, he was sentenced to three years and eight months behind bars.
“Appleton indulged in a violent spree of offending, targeting lone taxi drivers,” said Detective Constable Peter Hindley from maidenhead/" title="Maidenhead" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Maidenhead police station.
“He forced drivers to remote locations to commit his attacks and threatened them with a knife. This sentence reflects the bravery of the victims and the police’s dedication to bringing this dangerous offender to justice.”
“Appleton will now have time in prison to reflect on his actions.”
