Knifeman who threatened to kill West Bromwich taxi driver spared jail

Daniel Wallace got into the passenger seat of a cab in High Street despite being refused entry by the driver because he wouldn't pay his fare up front.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard this week how the 24-year-old told the petrified driver 'I'm going to kill you'.

He then produced two knives from the pocket of his trousers, one of which he put up his sleeve.

Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting, said Wallace became distracted and got out of the taxi when a police car went past.

Officers arrested the defendant a short time later and found the knives in his possession, he added.

Mr Searle said the incident had left the driver feeling unsafe while doing his job.

Mr William Rickarby, defending, said Wallace had had a difficult upbringing.

Mr Rickarby added that he had been seen by psychiatrists for mental health issues.

The court was told he suffered from schizoaffective disorder and had been drinking and taking drugs around the time of the incident in January 2014.

Wallace, of Fisher Street, Great Bridge, admitted possessing a bladed article and making threats to kill.

Mr Recorder Michael Stephens sentenced him to a hospital order.

He added: "Although you produced knives you did not wound the driver in any way, but these offences are so serious that they deserve prison sentences.

"If I did not make this hospital order you would have been jailed for 15 months."

The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the knives.