A man who threatened a taxi driver with scissors, stole the vehicle and crashed it while driving at twice the speed limit has been detained indefinitely in a secure mental health unit.
Taxi Hijacking in Swansea
Nicholas Daniel, 35, from Felindre, Swansea, hailed a cab in Waunarlwydd in July 2024. After stopping at a shop to buy alcohol, he produced scissors he had taken from his mother’s home and threatened the driver, Geraint Jones, demanding he leave the vehicle.
Mr Jones initially thought Daniel was joking until he saw the scissors pressed close to his stomach. Daniel told him: “No, I’m serious. I don’t want to hurt you, you’ve got to get out.”
High-Speed Chase and Crash
Once behind the wheel, Daniel drove away in an “erratic” manner, reportedly reaching 60mph in 30mph zones. Prosecutor Ian Wright told Swansea Crown Court that Daniel had intended to take his own life but abandoned the plan before crashing into a parked car in the Morriston area.
The stolen taxi sustained significant damage, and the owner said the robbery had placed financial strain on his business. The owner of the parked car, a community health nurse, described the impact as “massive” on both her work and personal life.
Local barber Jonny Handford, who runs Jonny Blades, witnessed the crash:
“It was like something from a film. One minute it was a normal day, then a massive bang and police everywhere. If that car hadn’t been there, he’d have driven straight into my waiting room.”
Court Proceedings
Daniel pleaded guilty in December 2024 to robbery, dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen, and driving without a licence or insurance. The court also heard he had multiple previous convictions, including burglary, theft, and drug offences.
Psychiatrist Dr S. Pradhan testified that Daniel was suffering from “acute psychosis” and experiencing hallucinations at the time of the incident. He continues to be treated for schizophrenia.
Judge Catherine Richards ruled that a prison sentence would likely trigger relapse and further risk to the public, instead ordering indefinite detention under the Mental Health Act. Daniel must face a tribunal before any release is considered.
He was also banned from driving for at least two years and will need to pass an extended driving test before regaining his licence.
CPS Statement
Following sentencing, Abul Hussain of the Crown Prosecution Service said:
“Nicholas Daniel brazenly robbed a taxi driver of his vehicle in broad daylight, then drove dangerously and crashed as he was trying to flee. His actions were reckless and put other people at risk. Taxi drivers provide a valuable public service and should not have to face threats of violence from customers.”
Source & Video on BBC News
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