Judge praises brave cabbie

May 1 2008 by Kerry-Lynne Doyle, Glamorgan Gazette

THE judge who jailed Randall praised the “hero” taxi driver who apprehended him.

As reported in the Gazette at the time, Radio Cabs driver James Irwin, of Laleston, managed to stop Randall fleeing the scene with his colleague Tony Merchant.

Jailing Randall, the Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Nicholas Cooke QC, praised Mr Irwin’s actions.

He said: “His behaviour was indeed courageous.

“When a member of the public sets off after a robber he cannot tell whether that robber is armed or not.

“The description of him as a hero is right.”

Mr Irwin will now receive £350 for his brave behaviour.

He said: “I didn’t expect that, to be honest.

“I didn’t think about it at the time – I acted on instinct – and I would do it again.

“He got what he deserved.”

Mr Merchant said: “I’m glad justice has been done.

“If we can do it again we will – it’s just a shame we had to do it in the first place.”