Crime
Assailant jailed for ‘unprovoked’ claw hammer attack on taxi driver
A Peterborough man used a claw hammer to smash the window of a Cambridge taxi, breaking the driver’s arm in the struggle that followed.
Detective Constable Sarah Knights, who investigated, said: “This was particularly frightening experience for the victim who was just out doing his job.
“It was a completely unprovoked attack.
“Violence like this is completely unacceptable and we will do all we can to bring offenders who commit this type of crime to justice.”
On Wednesday at Cambridge Crown Court, Sam Claydon, 39, of Flore Close, Peterborough, was jailed for five and a half years.
Claydon admitted to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage.
The victim had been driving his taxi in Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, at about 7.40pm on 14 August 2020, when he saw a silver Vauxhall Corsa speeding.
When the taxi driver stopped at traffic lights, Claydon, who was driving the Corsa and not known to the victim, pulled up behind and continuously sounded his horn.
As both cars drove on, Claydon stopped his vehicle in front of the taxi, but the victim managed to overtake him.
Claydon then followed the taxi and forced the victim’s car to stop.
He got out and walked over to the driver’s side of the taxi, shouting as he wielded the claw hammer and smashed the window.
The victim tried to defend himself with his arm, but Claydon struck him twice with the hammer.
He suffered a broken arm but managed to grab the hammer while Claydon tried to punch him.
The victim managed to drive away, and police were called. Claydon drove off at speed but was arrested the following day.
