Posted on the 13th April 2026 in PHTM News

JAIL FOR THUG WHO HIJACKED TAXI AT KNIFEPOINT DURING VIOLENT CRIME SPREE ACROSS STOKE

A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison after a terrifying hour-long crime wave that began with the hijacking of a local taxi.

Joshua Woolley admitted to carrying out three knifepoint robberies across Stoke-on-Trent last October, using a stolen car to move between his victims.

The ordeal for the taxi driver began just before 3pm when Woolley got into the vehicle in Bentilee. Once the car stopped, Woolley pulled a knife from his waistband and threatened the driver.

In a desperate attempt to escape, the driver jumped out of the vehicle and was chased around the car by the armed man.

Woolley then jumped into the driver’s seat and sped away in the stolen taxi, later using it to rob a petrol station and target a woman for her jewellery.

Police recovered the vehicle the same day, which proved vital in securing a conviction.

Lead investigator Pierce Linton said: “The taxi was located on the same day, on Arbour Road, and provided invaluable forensic evidence which eventually led to Woolley admitting the offences in court.” 

Woolley was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to nine years and four months for his actions.

Reflecting on the violence of the spree, Linton added: “He showed no regard for his victims, thankfully none of which were injured, or their belongings.” 

A police spokesperson confirmed that the stolen items and a large kitchen knife were found in Woolley's possession shortly after the final robbery.


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