Man jailed after robbing taxi driver in Cheltenham

A man from Cheltenham has been sentenced after he admitted to robbing a taxi driver at the beginning of this year (2025).

James Smith, aged 38 and formerly of Coppice Gate in Cheltenham appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Wednesday 5 March where he was sentenced to five years and seven months in prison.

He had previously pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a bladed article in a public place and fraud.

The court heard how police were called to River Leys shortly after 1.40am on Saturday 11 January after it was reported that Smith had entered a taxi in a face covering, and had sat in the rear of the vehicle behind the driver before confirming his journey.

He then grabbed the victim with his left hand, pulled him backward and put a knife to the victim’s throat. The victim screamed in fear and then gave Smith his bank cards and money.

The victim was not physically injured but shaken by what happened.

Smith ran away from the taxi but was located hours later after one of the victim's bank cards had been used at a local petrol station.

Officers, including a dog handler and PD Airin, traced Smith back to his home address where he was arrested. They found the stolen bank cards inside Smith’s home as well as the knife he had used to threaten the victim.

Smith was arrested at the scene and initially denied the offences; blaming another person. He was charged, later pleaded guilty and remanded in custody where he remained throughout court proceedings.

Investigating officer Michael Harvey from the Criminal Investigation Department said: "I am pleased that Smith has been sent to jail as this was an extremely distressing incident for the taxi driver who was simply doing his job.

"Smith used a knife to force the victim into handing over his bank cards and money before using them for his own gain."