Essex Trio Jailed for Knife Terror Taxi Robbery in Swindon
Mitchell Rhodes, 27, of no fixed address in Essex, has been found guilty of a terrifying taxi robbery in Swindon. The ruling came down at Swindon Crown Court on 16 October 2020, after a brutal attack that left the driver fearing for his life.
Planned Hammer-and-Knife Heist on Quiet Street
The robbery unfolded around 10.45pm on Sunday 1 March 2020, on Alexandra Road, a typically quiet residential street in Swindon town centre. Rhodes teamed up with Jordan Collins, 25, from Canvey Island, and Landen McCarthy, 32, from Westcliffe-on-Sea — both of whom had already pleaded guilty to robbery at an earlier hearing.
The three men lured a taxi to the location with a sinister plan. As the vehicle stopped, one man jumped in the back seat behind the driver, grabbed him by the throat, forced his head back, and pressed a knife to his face. The driver was ordered to hand over cash, shouted at in terror.
One accomplice blocked the driver’s door escape route, while the other stood lookout. The victim was robbed of around £40, and told detectives he genuinely feared for his life, convinced he could have his throat or face slashed.
Fast Getaway Thwarted by Sharp Police Work
After the raid, two of the men fled down an alley between Alexandra Road and Corporation Street before jumping into a blue Fiat Punto and speeding off. An anonymous tip-off to Wiltshire Police led to the trio’s arrest just three days later at Wat Tyler House, Swindon.
Officers soon found and seized the suspect Fiat Punto near The Range, thanks to the Community Policing Team’s efforts. Detective Constable Louise Kuklinski of Swindon CID pieced together damning evidence that secured guilty pleas from Collins and McCarthy, and the jury conviction of Rhodes.
Heavy Sentences for Violent Criminals
- Mitchell Rhodes: 7 years and 1 month – for his “leading role” in the gang’s brutal robbery (though his defence contested this)
- Landen McCarthy: 5 years and 3 months
- Jordan Collins: 3 years and 7 months
“The sentences given in this case I hope will go some way towards demonstrating that serious crime, whether it be involving weapons, knives or any other violent acts, will not be tolerated in Wiltshire,” said DC Kuklinski.
“The victim was just doing his job when tricked into what he thought was a genuine taxi call. He was absolutely terrified and feared for his life throughout the vicious attack. Thankfully, he was not physically injured, but there’s no doubt this crime will have a lasting impact on him.”
Wiltshire Police vow to continue hunting down violent offenders to keep the streets safe.
