A man from Liverpool has been jailed for 12 years after robbing a taxi driver at gunpoint and attempting to escape from police officers just moments after being arrested.
Twenty-two-year-old Steven Graham was convicted of gun robbery and attempted escape charges at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday after using a loaded revolver during the incident in Litherland. The court heard how Graham directed a local cabbie, Steven Jones, into a cul-de-sac before using the weapon to demand that he hand over his box of takings.
A panicked Mr Jones fled the scene immediately, leaving Graham to steal the private hire taxi, which was eventually found by officers in a nearby area. Officers recovered the gun before arresting Graham several minutes later. However, he attempted to escape custody before being questioned at a local station only to be found hiding in a ceiling vent.
Judge Everett said: “Gun crime is a blight on society and those who carry guns or use them or take them to others, who are undoubtedly going to use them, must expect long sentences so they are deterred from doing so and others think twice.”
Graham, who has a string of previous offences including ASBO breaches, assaults, affray, robberies, drug offences and a knifepoint robbery, will now serve an extended 12-year sentence.
Duncan Lewis experienced team of crime solicitors can represent clients throughout a criminal investigation. Our team is available 24/7, 365 days a year. We always aim to find a quick and easy solution for your case.