A MINICAB driver was shot nine times in the throat and chest with an air rifle when he knocked on a customer's door to collect an unpaid fare in the early hours of Sunday.

The cab driver, who lives in Watford but cannot be named, had dropped off a man and a woman at a house in Chandos Crescent, Canons Park, at 1.30am. The couple left the cab saying they were going inside to get money to pay him.

After ten minutes they had not returned, so the driver left his vehicle and knocked on the front door.

The man answered, armed with an air rifle and fired nine shots at the cab driver. Two pellets lodged in his throat. The driver ran off and phoned the police before going to Northwick Park Hospital for treatment.

Christie Stokes, 35, of Chandos Crescent, Edgware, appeared at Harrow Magistrates' Court on Monday afternoon charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. and making off without payment. Rosie Marie Stokes, 22, was charged with making off without payment. Both were remanded to appear at Harrow Crown Court on Monday.