Taxi Driver Held at Knifepoint in Brutal Swindon Robbery
Mitchell Rhodes, 27, of no fixed address in Essex, has been convicted of robbery at Swindon Crown Court. His accomplices, Jordan Collins, 25, from Canvey Island, and Landen McCarthy, 32, from Westcliffe-on-Sea, pleaded guilty earlier.
Gang’s Deadly Plan Unfolds on Quiet Swindon Street
The terrifying attack happened at around 10.45pm on Sunday, 1 March 2020 in Alexandra Road, a normally peaceful residential street in Swindon town centre. The trio lured a taxi to the location before launching their violent robbery.
As the taxi stopped, one man jumped into the back behind the driver. He grabbed the driver by the throat, pinned his head back, and held a knife to his face while shouting demands for money. Another man blocked the driver’s door to stop any escape, while the third kept watch.
The terrified driver handed over around £40 in cash, fearing the attacker would slash his throat or face. Thankfully, he escaped without physical injury but was left traumatised by the ordeal.
Swift Police Action Leads to Quick Arrests
After the robbery, two suspects bolted towards an alleyway, jumping into a waiting blue Fiat Punto. An anonymous tip-off to Wiltshire Police saw Collins, Rhodes, and McCarthy arrested just three days later at Wat Tyler House in Swindon.
The getaway car was found and seized from a nearby car park by officers from the Community Policing Team. Detective Constable Louise Kuklinski of Swindon CID pieced together crucial evidence, securing guilty pleas from Collins and McCarthy and a jury conviction for Rhodes.
Harsh Sentences for Ruthless Robbers
- Mitchell Rhodes received the toughest sentence: 7 years and 1 month, labelled by prosecutors as having a “leading role” in the crime.
- Landen McCarthy was jailed for 5 years and 3 months.
- Jordan Collins got 3 years and 7 months.
Detective Constable Louise Kuklinski said: “These sentences send a clear message — violent crime, especially with weapons, will not be tolerated in Wiltshire. We will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”
“The victim was just doing his job when he was tricked into this vicious attack. He was absolutely terrified and feared for his life. Thankfully, he wasn’t physically injured, but this crime will leave a lasting impact.”
