Weybridge man admits robbing driver with starter's pistol
8:00am Friday 26th October 2012 in News By Laura Proto
Man admits robbing driver with starter's pistol
A man from Weybridge has pleaded guilty to having an imitation firearm in his possession and robbing a minicab driver of £25.
Shane Bryant, 23, of Melrose Road, Weybridge, committed the two offences in the early hours of Thursday, August 9.
Appearing before Judge Michael Addison at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday, October 25, Bryant pleaded guilty to robbery and having a starter’s pistol in his possession.
The driver, who did not wish to be named, said the incident had affected him mentally and left him afraid to work.
He was flagged down by Bryant in Oatlands Chase, Weybridge, at 1am on Thursday, August 9, and dropped him to Melrose Road, near the British Volunteer pub.
When he pulled over, Bryant pulled out an imitation firearm and demanded his takings.
The driver said at the time: “He was pretty calm. I thought he was joking at first and then he said ‘I’m going to blow your legs off’.
“There wasn’t much going through my mind, just that I was going to be shot, it was scary. I’ve been trying to work since, but I feel a bit scared.
“We get abuse all the time and people kick our cars or swear at us, but nothing like this has happened to me before.”
Bryant walked away from the car after the incident, and the driver contacted police.
Weybridge driver Jawved Siddique said: “It’s very concerning when you hear about things like this happening. It makes me feel less safe.”
Bryant will remain in custody and a pre=sentence report will be produced on Friday, November 16.
