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A teenager who mugged a cabbie and then attacked and threatened another driver from the same firm with a knife has been jailed for three years.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Samuel Hoaken's first victim Wajid Hussain thought he had a knife when something sharp was held at his neck.

Mr Hussain feared for his life when the defendant, 18, got hold of him from behind and demanded cash on February 24.

A couple of hours later Hoaken ordered another taxi, hit terrified victim Sajid Butt twice and pointed a knife at his stomach in a row over the fare.

Hoaken, who was convicted of robbery in May last year, was on an electrically monitored curfew at the time after his release from custody.

He has previously been the subject of an anti-social behaviour order, the court was told.

He admitted robbery, racially aggravated assault and possessing an offensive weapon.

Recorder Geoffrey Lowe gave the defendant, of Eastgate, Whitworth, 30 months for the offences, to be served after the unexpired portion of his last term of detention.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, told the court Mr Hussain picked up the defendant and two friends in Rochdale, dropped the friends off and Hoaken told him to take him to Southgate, Whitworth.

He told the victim he was on a court curfew and needed to be back by 8pm or he would go to jail. Hoaken said his mother would pay the fare and she confirmed it over the phone to Mr Hussain.

Miss Statham said the victim then felt a sharp object against his neck and thought it was a knife. Hoaken demanded his money. Mr Hussain removed his ignition keys and got out of the cab. A small cut on his neck was bleeding. Hoaken then took the victim's cash bag, with £25 and left, heading for Eastgate.

The defendant's mother was to tell police he was so drunk she had to put him to bed and he was sick. About 45 minutes later he went out, returned with a friend, ripped off his ankle tag, threw it in the garden and went off.

Miss Staham said Hoaken returned at 9.30pm, saying he wanted a taxi to Rochdale and his mother ordered one.

Mr Butt pulled up at Hoaken's house at 9.50pm, asked for £5 upfront but was told the man at the house Hoaken was going to would pay on his arrival. The victim began to feel uneasy. The defendant became aggressive and Mr Butt refused to take him anywhere.

Miss Statham said Hoaken was racially abusive and punched the victim, causing immediate pain. He got out of the cab and Hoaken then held a knife about 15 centimetres from his stomach.

Hoaken had pleaded guilty to the robbery on the basis he did not use a knife and only had with him a mobile telephone and lighter.

By Wendy Barlow

9:10am Friday 4th July 2008

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