A 22-year-old Birmingham man has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after police discovered a loaded handgun and drugs during a traffic stop outside a B&Q store in Leicester.

Tyo Carter was a passenger in a private hire vehicle when officers pulled it over near Abbey Park last August.

Following the stop, a search of a bag at Carter's feet revealed the firearm, while a search of Carter himself uncovered cocaine and cannabis. Forensic analysis linked Carter to the weapon, and his mobile phone contained evidence of drug dealing.

While the other three occupants of the taxi were not charged, Carter faced drug and firearm offences.

Carter pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs on the day his trial was set to begin at Leicester Crown Court in February.

Investigating officer DC Lucy Clarke highlighted Carter's initial denial, stating: “Despite Carter denying all knowledge of the gun when questioned by detectives, he has clearly accepted his connection to it with his guilty plea.”

She further revealed incriminating evidence found on his phone: “Our examination of Carter’s mobile phone also revealed that a week prior to his arrest, he had been trying to source ammunition while offering the sale of another firearm.” DC Clarke concluded: “This just shows the obvious interest that Carter had in handling and being in possession of such weapons and ammunition and we strongly believe that the gun was loaded with the intention of being fired to cause serious harm or, even worse, a fatality.”

Passing down the sentence, Recorder Blakey delivered a stark warning: “A message has to go out to those, like you, who attempt to get into that life for a quick turn of money, that it isn’t worth it because you will go to prison.

"Unfortunately for you that is what is going to happen to you today.”

The judge emphasised the severity of the crime due to the loaded weapon, stating: “Your offending was compounded by the fact you were found to have a loaded weapon, with a bullet in the chamber. That weapon, in other hands, created a serious risk of violence if not death if used by others. Why else would anybody want a weapon like that, plus bullets? That exacerbates the situation you find yourself in.”

Recorder Blakey also addressed the wider societal impact of drug-related crime, concluding: “There is so much crime on the streets these days, and a lot of this is to do with drugs. It creates a real problem in society. And society has to be protected from serious criminals. And in that regard, you are a serious criminal.”

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Stoke-on-Trent City Council is launching a review of its special education transport services after overspending its budget by nearly £3 million in the last financial year.

The council spent £9.37 million on transporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in 2024/25, significantly exceeding its £6.42 million budget.

Concerns have been raised by councillors that the authority is being "held to ransom by some taxi firms," prompting the children and family services scrutiny committee to investigate how the funds are being used.

Paul Gerrard, head of school services, explained to the committee that the increased demand for SEND transport, driven by a rise in children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs), was a growing issue for many councils.

He clarified the council's legal obligations, stating: "The law says that if a child is unable to get to school, the local authority will put in steps to get that child to school. That might be because of distance, or SEN issues."

He also addressed misconceptions, noting: "There is a perception in some areas that if a child has an EHCP they'll automatically get their own taxi – that doesn't happen."

While Gerrard pointed out that the high success rate of appeal rejections (90%) suggests the council's policy is generally sound, he acknowledged the financial pressures.

"We're trying to keep a lid on this, as it's a massive amount of spend," he said, adding: "Most authorities are under incredible pressure. But the parameters are fairly fixed on where we can go with this. Essentially, we're following statutory restrictions.”

Councillor Dave Evans voiced strong concerns about the pricing of local taxi services, stating: "We only have a limited number of providers in the city, frankly they've got us by the short and curlies, and that bumps up the cost...It's the process of the procurement and market-making that's the issue."

Committee chair Daniela Santoro echoed this sentiment, saying: "I feel that we are being held to ransom by some firms."

Cabinet member for children's services, Councillor Sarah Hill, stressed the need for efficiency and reasonable parental expectations, adding: "Nationally, this is a huge problem. I think the government needs to think about how to deal with this."

Ultimately, the scrutiny committee agreed to conduct a further review into the council's transport policy and its delivery to identify potential cost savings and ensure value for money for taxpayers.

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A 23-year-old Sunderland man has been sentenced to 42 months in jail after terrifying a Newcastle taxi driver by pulling a sledgehammer from his trousers and attacking his vehicle.

Callum Cain pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, criminal damage, and possession of an offensive weapon following the early morning incident in June 2023.

The court heard that the victim, a private hire driver, had dropped off a passenger in Sunderland city centre and was driving on the A183 when he encountered Cain, who was heavily intoxicated.

Recorder Richard Stubbs at Newcastle Crown Court described how Cain "stepped out in front of the taxi" and then placed both hands on the bonnet.

The situation escalated dramatically when the driver saw the weapon. "At that point, he could see you were carrying a sledgehammer inside your pants, about two-and-a-half feet long with a wooden handle," Recorder Stubbs stated.

Despite an attempt by another man to intervene, Cain proceeded to attack the taxi. "You removed the hammer from your trousers and repeatedly struck the car's windscreen with it," the Recorder continued.

The terrified driver reversed his vehicle as Cain ran towards it, shouting for the keys before turning his attention to another car. Dashcam footage corroborated the attack.

The victim reported feeling "scared and shocked" by the ordeal. His taxi was out of service for a period, incurring £1,156 in repair costs and an additional £400 in expenses.

Recorder Stubbs condemned the crime as a "persistent attack" on a "lone taxi driver going about his business."

Defending Cain, Nick Lane offered a public apology on his client's behalf. "He would wish me to apologise publicly. He recognises this must have been a worrying incident."

Lane added: "He was intoxicated to the point he has no real recollection of the incident or his motivation at the time. It's his case he came upon the hammer but he accepts he had it on his person and used it."

The court also heard that Cain has learning difficulties and mental and physical health issues stemming from a difficult childhood.

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Two taxi drivers in North Ayrshire have been cautioned by the council's licensing committee for breaching regulations by smoking in their vehicles.

The incidents were heard at a meeting on Wednesday, 7 May.

Graham Brown, a driver licensed since 2008, was observed by civic licensing standards officer, Drew Robertson, smoking in his Skoda at an Ardrossan petrol station on 6 March.

Robertson stated: "Mr Brown failed to adhere to North Ayrshire licensing conditions on smoking policy...He offered no explanation and appeared clearly aware of policy."

Brown admitted to the infraction, explaining: "It was really cold, I usually do not smoke in the car...There is no excuse for it."

He added: "I usually have a break and a cigarette and then stand outside the car."

Daniel Stewart also faced the committee for smoking in his taxi on 29 March. He apologised for the breach, attributing it to "complacency."

Stewart explained: "I used to drive for my brother-in-law and one of the first things he told me was not to smoke in his taxi and I have always been obedient with these rules...but have been a bit complacent of late and can only assure you that it won’t happen again.”

Councillor Christina Larsen proposed a warning letter for both drivers, a motion seconded by Councillor Ronnie Stalker and unanimously agreed by the committee.

Larsen emphasised that such behaviour was "not acceptable" and that "complacency was not acceptable."

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