Cabbie robbed and beaten

AN ELDERLY taxi driver was viciously beaten and robbed by two thugs who had been on a drinking binge for hours beforehand, a court has been told.

Francis McBride (70), was left with a bruised and battered face after being attacked after he picked up the two men and drove them to Oldham where both lived.

A jury at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court heard that the pensioner who worked part time for Streamline Taxis in Rochdale was grabbed by one of the men the moment he pulled up on Lichen Crescent, Fitton Hill in the early hours of May 29.

The court was told that the terrified driver who had been unable to move, was ordered to hand over his cash, then brutally punched in the face several times before the men fled with his takings of more than £200 along with his cab meter.

Paul Hodgkinson prosecuting, said 25- year old Michael Edhouse and 26-year old Daniel Swaincott were later arrested in connection with the attack.

He said the Crown's case was that Edhouse had been sitting behind the driver, and had leaned forward gripping the driver's neck with both hands when he stopped.

Swaincott is alleged to have made demands for cash and repeatedly punched the 70-year old.

Both Edhouse of Barmouth Court, Oldham and Swaincott of Lichens Crescent, Fitton Hill, plead not guilty to robbery.

The court was told that victim Mr McBride had managed to drive to a nearby Tesco store and call police despite being in severe shock after the attack.

A stunned woman who had witnessed the robbery also had the presence of mind to note the name of the private hire firm and call them.

The trial jury have been told that both Edhouse and Swaincott had been drinking together with a young woman throughout the afternoon, evening and night before the robbery, becoming more and more drunk.

After their arrest, a large amount of loose change and a cash pouch was found in a bag belonging to Edhouse.

Swaincott accepted he had been in the cab but maintains he had nothing to do with the robbery. He said he got out of the car and went straight to bed. Edhouse also denies involvement.

(Proceeding)