10 months for yob who beat cabbie

A teenage yob who beat up a taxi driver, wrecked his cab and stole his money has been locked up for 10 months.

Sam Dymond (19), of Knott Lanes, Oldham, left his victim with psychological damage and bruising after an incident in the town.

Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, was told Dymond came from a lawless background and his demons lay with alcohol.

He would get involved in mindless drink-induced street crime although he claimed he had fallen under the influence of others. He said he was now keeping a distance from his peer group.

Dymond, a father-of-one admitted assault, theft and criminal damage and was sent to a young offenders’ institution.

Passing sentence, Judge Bernard Lever told him he would have faced 18 months if he had run a trial.

He told Dymond: “You have had a difficult life. You were expelled from school and mixed with the wrong people and you drink too much.

“You must know that while you come from a lawless background you must have scrupulous justice.

“This was a frightening series of incidents and it must have been terrifying for the taxi driver.

“You have a bad record but it is never too late to turn your life around and lead a decent and happy life.

“You will get that opportunity when you are released.”

Dymond said he was putting distance between himself and the persons who has offended with in the past. He wanted to get off the streets and get a job. The mother of his child was said to be standing by him.