Posted on the 11th May 2026 in PHTM News

HAMILTON MAN JAILED AFTER BRUTAL KNIFE ATTACK ON TAXI DRIVER OVER £6 FARE

A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to 30 months in prison following a terrifying assault and robbery of a taxi driver in Hamilton.

Robert Mitchell was jailed at the town’s sheriff court on May 8 after admitting to the attack, which was sparked by a dispute over a small upfront fare.

The incident took place on Mill Road last August after the driver asked for a £6 payment in advance. Mitchell became "irate" and pulled an eight-inch knife from his pocket, shouting: "I'm going to kill you."

After punching the driver on the head and body and stealing up to £150 from the car's console, Mitchell chased the victim outside the vehicle and struck him on the head with the blade.

The driver managed to call the taxi office, saying he'd been hit, and the police were contacted

He was later treated in hospital for two head wounds.

Sheriff Colin Dunipace condemned the violence, telling Mitchell: "This was an appalling attack on a gentleman trying to go about his work. Taxi drivers are very vulnerable given the nature of their employment and a significant custodial sentence must be imposed." 

While Mitchell’s lawyer described his behavior as "inappropriate," the court noted his previous record of violent crime.

The court also heard a separate case involving 30-year-old Taylor Grey, who admitted to assaulting another taxi driver on the same road just hours later.

Grey, who shouted abuse and tried to punch a cabbie during another fare dispute, will be sentenced next month.

Mitchell's prison term was backdated to August to account for time already served in custody.


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