Man jailed for taxi stabbings

Lithuania-born Marius Pucilauskas (25) was living in Eastwood when he launched an unprovoked attack on one driver in the Kimberworth area in November 2009, leaving his victim with a cut below his jaw and a broken finger.

Six days later, Pucilauskas assaulted a 24-year-old driver in Eastwood by plunging a knife into his shoulder.

The driver grabbed the blade, preventing the knife going in any deeper, but during the struggle his cheek was slashed, leaving him with a scar.

Pucilauskas fled the scene after stealing the taxi’s satellite navigation system.

Pucilauskas was sentenced to two-and-a-half years for wounding without intent, five-and-a-half years for wounding with intent and a year for theft, with all the sentences to run concurrently.

Det Con Rachel Morton said: “This sentence reflects the seriousness of these unprovoked attacks against two individuals who were only carrying out their daily work, providing a vital service to the local community.”