A Bartley Green teenager has been found guilty of offences relating to a series of terrifying, violent robberies from taxi drivers in the area last year.
Mohammed Abdurahman used false names to book taxis to pick him up near his Rush Green home. The 19 year old, together with accomplices, threatened the drivers, demanding cash and personal items. Some had weapons and on some occasions violence was used, with two drivers even being forced into the back of their own taxis and driven away as part of the groups’ efforts to get them to part with belongings.
The 19 year-old was behind three robberies in Bartley Green between October and December last year:
- 27th October, Corn Mill Close: Abdurahman and others threatened a driver with knives, taking two high-value mobile phones, PDA system and cash.
- 30th October, Mill Lane: Booked a taxi for one passenger into the City Centre but was joined by two others. Abdurahman punched the driver in the face and then pulled out a 12-inch knife demanding money. The driver was dragged into the back of his VW Touran and taken to a cashpoint and – despite a failed attempt to withdraw money from the machine – a phone, money on the cabbie and his car were taken.
- 8th December, Mill Lane: Taxi requested to go to Heartlands Hospital. The driver was forced out of the car and suspected CS spray was let off in his face. The driver was driven to a secluded area where Abduraham made off with an Apple Watch while his two accomplices made off with a mobile phone and satnav.
After appeals on social media and CCTV checks, Abdurahman was arrested at his home on 10th December.
Despite his attempts to hide it, offers spotted an Apple Watch and were able to confirm it belonged to the last victim.
Initially, Abdurahman denied any involvement in the crimes but he went on to plead guilty to three charges of robbery, two of kidnapping, and having offensive weapons.
He was sentenced to 10 years at a young offenders institute at Birmingham Crown Court last Monday (10th April).
DC Darren Lennox, from Force CID, said: “These were terrifying experiences for the three victims who were out and about doing their normal business. These were particularly violent robberies where Abdurahman played a lead role.
“He initially refused to accept responsibility for these horrible crimes, but the weight of evidence built up against him. This sentence should serve as a strong warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Investigations into the incidents are still ongoing in attempts to prosecute others involved. If anyone has any information that may help police with ensures, please call 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org