Salford man jailed for violent taxi robbery in Sandbach
He stabbed the taxi driver in the leg before stealing the vehicle
A man from Salford has been sentenced to six years and eight months in prison for robbing a taxi driver at knifepoint in Sandbach.
Daniel Eckersley, 39, who also goes by 'Daniel Brein' and 'Daniel Bryan', pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a knife, drink driving, and driving without insurance.
Chester Crown Court heard how Eckersley knocked on a random door in the Dragon’s Lane area of Moston in December 2025.
He asked the woman who answered to order him a taxi.
After the taxi arrived, the woman heard screaming and saw Eckersley punching the taxi driver.
Eckersley stole the taxi and fled the scene.
Cheshire Police responded to reports from the woman who witnesses the robbery and the taxi driver, who had been stabbed in the leg.
The taxi was found less than three miles away, with a knife inside.
Eckersley was arrested that same evening after he was seen in a pub in Middlewich.
He was over three times the legal alcohol limit and found to be wanted for a separate robbery in Greater Manchester.
“The footage from the dashcams — capturing Eckersley’s initial threats, the stabbing, and the theft of the vehicle — was vital"
Detective Constable Vickie Wallace said:
“No one should go to work expecting to go through such a terrifying situation as the one Daniel Eckersley subjected his victim to in December of last year.
“We may never know Eckersley’s motivation for threatening an unsuspecting taxi driver and stealing his vehicle, but it was undoubtedly fuelled by the considerable amount of alcohol he had consumed.
“This case highlights the importance of having dashcams in your vehicle, especially if you are involved in taxi services or any occupation that requires engaging with the public for long periods.
“The footage from the dashcams — capturing Eckersley’s initial threats, the stabbing, and the theft of the vehicle — was vital evidence that helped us secure this sentence.”