Posted on the 21st October 2025 in PHTM News

KNIFE WIELDING THUG JAILED AFTER THREATENING TO KILL MIDDLESBROUGH TAXI DRIVER AND FAMILY

A Middlesbrough taxi driver was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when a passenger, Wakahs Nawaz, punched him, produced a four-inch knife, and threatened to kill him and his family.

The incident occurred on May 3 this year after the driver picked up Nawaz from the Longlands Hotel.

Initially speaking in a "conversational tone," Nawaz, who was intoxicated on drink or dugs, became violent after failing to get money from a cash machine.

According to prosecutor Rachel Butt, Nawaz "became aggressive and accused [the victim] of sleeping with his mother" before making "a threat to stab and kill not only him but his children and his mother."

Nawaz then punched the cabbie, leaving him "dazed, confused and scared," and produced a knife, threatening to stab the victim and saying "he would be buried today," Ms Butt told the court.

The driver managed to escape the vehicle after Nawaz was distracted, but not before Nawaz threatened to "rape his daughter," Ms Butt said.

Nawaz then drove off in the taxi, which contained the driver's phone and car key.

Another taxi driver stopped and helped the victim contact police. The mobile phone was tracked and Nawaz was arrested.

The victim said in a statement that he has been living in fear for himself and his family since the attack: "He made threats towards me and my family," and "I honestly believe if I had not got out of the taxi when I did, he would have stabbed me."

Teesside Crown Court heard Nawaz had 23 previous convictions from 43 offences which include battery, causing actual bodily harm and inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He pleaded guilty to making threats to kill, assault by beating, possession of a blade in public, stealing a motor vehicle, and theft from a person at Teesside Crown Court.

Judge Joanne Kidd told Nawaz she considers him "a real and serious risk" of similar offending, especially until he abides by a drug-free lifestyle.

He was handed an extended sentence of six years, consisting of four years in custody and two years on extended licence.


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