Fenton fare dodger jailed after threatening taxi driver
SERIAL criminal Darren Bodden has been jailed after refusing to pay a £7 taxi fare and threatening the cabbie with a metal splint.
The 42-year-old got out the car and walked away without paying after being dropped off in Milton Road, Sneyd Green.
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When the driver twice challenged him, Bodden pointed the six-inch splint at him.
Fiona Cortese, prosecuting at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday, said: "The driver turned the car around and spoke to him through the open window and asked for the fare but he ignored him.
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"He followed him and when he asked a second time, the defendant stopped and the driver saw a splint."
Bodden, of May Place, Fenton, was arrested shortly after the incident at about 11.30pm on June 30.
In his police interview, he claimed he had received information that his son was in trouble and was going to borrow some money to pay the fare.
The court heard Bodden was arrested again after he was caught with a steak knife in Hanley on August 16.
The defendant had entered a store in Old Hall Street with two friends when a shopkeeper noticed the handle of a knife protruding from his wrist brace.
He was detained by officers shortly afterwards in nearby Hillcrest Street.
Anis Ali, mitigating, said his client suffered depression, anxiety and paranoia.
She added: "He expresses remorse for his actions."
Bodden – who was handed an eight-year prison sentence in 1998 for robbery – pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon and walking off without paying.
He had already admitted possession of an offensive weapon for the Hanley incident at an earlier hearing at North Staffordshire Magistrates Court.
Judge Paul Glenn told the defendant: "Courts take a serious view in the carrying of weapons.
"You have shown a propensity for violence and an inability to control yourself when drunk."
Bodden who has committed 17 offences since 1990, was sentenced to six months following the taxi row and a further 10 months for the Hanley incident. He will serve half the sentence and will complete the remainder on licence.
Comments
by Pantofola
Tuesday, October 02 2012, 11:06PM
“Lived in Fenton for 4 years. The vast majority of people oare decent. Only thing i'll say is that the percentage of scumbags is growing. Same could be said for most towns in Stoke I suppose.”
by Speccy9eyes
Tuesday, October 02 2012, 11:27AM
“oh come on johntoad, it wasn't that bad. Pucker up sunshine. xx”
by warren-lloyd
Monday, October 01 2012, 10:57AM
“About as subtle as a pillow case full of pool balls.”
by Johntoe
Monday, October 01 2012, 10:37AM
“OH..... it was a JOKE????? I am so sorry Spucky it was too 'subtle' for me,”
by warren-lloyd
Monday, October 01 2012, 6:11AM
“Speecy, you are indeed a comic genius........NOT.”
by Speccy9eyes
Sunday, September 30 2012, 7:02PM
“Oh, come on Johntoad, it was just a joke, hence the "boom boom" remark. Try to grow a sense of humour sunshine.”
by Johntoe
Sunday, September 30 2012, 5:14PM
“WOW this one made it to 5 posts before someone blamed the taxi driver,”
by Speccy9eyes
Sunday, September 30 2012, 3:25PM
“Oh, sorry Spudder, I thought you were on about the taxi driver! Boom boom.”
by ghosts
Sunday, September 30 2012, 8:08AM
“And we have to share the same oxygen with plonkas such as him....”
by warren-lloyd
Sunday, September 30 2012, 7:22AM
“17 offences they know about since 1990 I think that should read. What the hells going on in Fenton at the moment, it use to be such a nice town, still is, but it seems to be exporting its scum of the earth to other parts of the city. Has it got better bus links or something.”