A man has been jailed after he threatened a taxi driver with a knife in Aldershot after a dispute about an £8 taxi fare.

Craig Mahon, 35, of Station Road, Aldershot, refused to pay an £8 taxi fare and then threatened the driver with a knife on Saturday 18 October.

The driver was not injured, and Mahon fled the scene. Officers launched an investigation and made an arrest in connection with the reports.

Mahon was later charged with: Threatening a person with a blade / sharply pointed article in a public place. Making off without making payment. Mahon pleaded guilty to both offences and was jailed for 13 months at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, November 21.

Police Sergeant Rob Tiller, from the Aldershot Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victim, and I would like to praise him for his bravery and cooperation throughout the investigation.

“Craig Mahon acted in a reckless and dangerous manner that day, and his actions could have resulted in someone suffering a serious injury.

“We take knife offences extremely seriously and I hope that anyone thinking of carrying a knife recognises that there are serious consequences when they make that decision to pick up a weapon.

“Our officers will continue to work hard and do everything in their power to ensure those who carry knives are arrested, charged and put before the courts.”