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Jail for thug in cabbie attack
A THUG who punched and bit a taxi driver has been jailed for three and a half years after being caught because he left DNA on his victim's ear.
Craig Cairns waited until he was left alone in the cab before attacking the driver in a bid to steal cash, Preston Crown Court was told.
Prosecutor Wayne Goldstein said Cairns was among a group of seven men picked up by the taxi driver from a pub.
Each was being dropped off at various destinations around Preston until eventually Cairns was left alone with the driver, Christopher Clamp.
Cairns was holding all the money from the others for the fare.
“He directed the driver to a quiet location before demanding money and hitting him twice in the face,” explained Mr Goldstein.
Ripped
The taxi driver desperately tried to summon help, but the passenger ripped his radio from him.
The driver attempted to dial 999, but Cairns tried to grab the phone and in doing so bit the driver on his ear.
Cairns then ran off.
A DNA swab was taken from the bitten ear and a match was found with the defendant.
When Cairns was arrested, he denied ever being in the taxi, but could offer no explanation as to how his DNA appeared on the driver’s ear.
Cairns, 23, of Waverley Road, Ribbleton, Preston, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to rob.
His counsel told the court drink had played a part in the offence which he admitted, saving the victim from giving evidence at a trial.
Judge Steven Baker said Cairns had seriously assaulted a taxi driver who was providing a service to the public and only a substantial sentence could follow.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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