An 18-year-old who punched a Middlesbrough taxi driver and stole his takings has received a suspended prison sentence.
Teesside Crown Court heard Brandon Moloney of Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, booked a fare via a taxi app on the night of 10 June 2026. When the driver arrived about 12.41am and was updating the app, Moloney opened the door, punched him in the cheek and ran off with the takings bag. The driver was too shocked to finish his shift. Moloney pleaded guilty to robbery, with seven previous convictions for 22 offences and a live community order.
Judge Anthony Dunne imposed 22 months’ custody suspended for two years, plus rehabilitation activity and £100 compensation.