Jailed: Robber who held fake gun to head of terrified taxi driver
A robber who held a BB gun to a terrified taxi driver's head and stole his takings has been jailed for five years.
Aaron Taylor made Mandeep Singh hand over about £120 and his mobile phone after he was driven to Rowley Regis.
The 23-year-old had told Mr Singh to pull over while he got cash to pay the fare from his girlfriend who worked in a pizza shop.
He then launched his attack, brandishing the gun and pointing it at the victim's head. The court heard Mr Singh was left fearing for his life and thinking he would be shot.
He also gave Taylor the keys to his car - but he threw them away before running off.
The driver says he is now 'living in fear' each time he picks up a customer.
Judge Michael Challinor said: "This robbery was planned - and the fact you had an imitation firearm demonstrates that.
"The trauma suffered by Mr Singh cannot be overstated. He must have been terrified and it has had a profound effect on him."
The court heard Taylor, who now lives in Newark, Nottinghamshire, had ordered a taxi through Wednesbury-based Choice Cars at about 11.50pm on September 5 from Cagney's pub in West Bromwich to Blackheath.
Taylor told him to pull over in Hanover Road, Rowley Regis while he went to the pizza takeaway.
Miss Heather Chamberlin (CORR), prosecuting, said: "He then got out what appeared to be a handgun and held it at his head.
"Mr Singh was extremely scared, and handed over his takings, phone and keys."
He had bought the BB gun using his girlfriend's credit card, Miss Chamberlin said, and during a police interview he initially tried to use her as an alibi to prove he was not responsible for the robbery.
But after being charged he later requested another interview, and said a £42,000 debt had 'forced him into the robbery', Miss Chamberlin told the court.
She said a victim impact statement revealed Mr Singh was 'afraid for his safety'. She added: "His life has changed and the incident has given him psychological effects."
Taylor was jailed for four years for robbery and one year for possession of an imitation firearm. He admitted both charges.
Mr Mukhtar Ubhi, defending, said Taylor was disowned by his father aged 18 months and had been in 26 children's homes up to the age of 18.
Judge Challinor said he was 'thoroughly institutionalised' and that prison was the 'best place' for him.
