A knife wielding burglar who smashed up a taxi after refusing to pay his fare has been jailed

Jamie McCullough (02/12/1986) of Thornlea Road, Altrincham, was jailed yesterday (21 Sept) for 4 years after pleading guilty to burglary, damage to property, possession of a bladed article, making off without payment and a public order offence.

On Sunday 13 June 2021, McCullough burgled a house on Moss Lane, Hale before fleeing the property with items including a knife, laptops, credit cards and an iPod.

He then ordered a taxi to Barton Dock Road, Stretford before coming embroiled in an argument with the driver over the cost of the fare. During the argument McCullough became aggressive and pulled out the stolen knife, before kicking and smashing the rear window of the car in an attempt to escape.

The driver was able to flag down a passing police vehicle informing officers that McCullough was in possession of a knife. He was subsequently pursued on foot before swiftly being detained and arrested by officers nearby.

Officers were then able to recover the knife and a black bag which contained two of the stolen laptops.

During interview with officers, McCullough confessed to having burgled the house and causing damage to the taxi after refusing to pay.