A man who lured a taxi driver to Blackburn before robbing him at knifepoint has been jailed for four years

At 8.40am on September 6 defendant Reece Waring called the taxi from a hotel in Blackburn and arranged for it to collect him from a nearby street.

Waring got into the front of the taxi and claimed he was from Salford, but was unable to say exactly where from.

When the taxi driver dropped him off at the pre-booked location in Bunkers Hill Close, Blackburn, 22-year-old Waring produced a knife and demanded all the money the victim had.

When the taxi driver told Waring to get out of his vehicle, he put the knife to the victim’s throat and again demanded cash.

The taxi driver managed to release his seatbelt and get out of the car unhurt.

Waring ran away from the scene with £70 cash.

Following a number of enquiries, including trawling CCTV from the area and going off the driver’s description of the suspect, Waring was arrested three days later.

Waring, formerly of Fearnlea Close, Blackburn, but now of no fixed address, was charged with criminal damage and robbery.

He was convicted of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon and sentenced at Preston Crown Court today (February 21).

DC James Wilde, of Lancashire Police, said: “This was a pre-meditated and cowardly offence committed against a completely innocent victim who was just trying to make an honest living.

“Waring armed himself with a weapon and got into that taxi knowing there was going to be a confrontation – one that could have easily led to the victim losing his life.

“I am pleased the courts have recognised the seriousness of Waring’s actions and I hope he uses his time in custody to reflect on his appalling actions.

“I would also like to thank everybody who worked on securing this conviction. That work has led to a dangerous individual being taken off the streets.”