Liverpool Taxi Driver Attacked and Robbed by Drunk Passenger

A taxi driver in Liverpool was violently attacked and robbed by a drunk passenger who had recently been released from prison. Vincent O’Connor, 37, lured veteran driver Kenneth Green down a dead-end road before physically assaulting him and stealing his earnings. The incident occurred on November 2, 2024, after Green picked up O’Connor for a £70 fare from Greater Manchester to Liverpool.

Taxi drivers across the UK have faced increasing risks of violent attacks. In a separate incident, a Southend cabbie was robbed of cash and cherished photos by masked thugs, highlighting the dangers that drivers continue to encounter while on duty.

Upon reaching the destination, O’Connor forcefully grabbed the driver from behind, twisting his neck and biting his cheek. When Green initially handed over an empty wallet, O’Connor mocked him before forcing him to surrender another wallet containing £140.

Criminal History and Court Sentencing

O’Connor, a former gang member, has an extensive criminal record, including 47 prior convictions for 95 offences. Among them was a 2021 robbery where he threatened a woman with an angle grinder. The court heard that he had been drinking heavily on the day of the attack, leading to aggressive behaviour.

Judge David Swinnerton sentenced O’Connor to four years and eight months in prison, with an additional five-year extended licence due to the risk he poses to the public. O’Connor refused to appear in court for sentencing.

Judge Swinnerton stated:

"This now is the second robbery within a very short space of time. A high level of physical force was used in the most recent robbery."

Impact on the Victim

Kenneth Green, who has been a taxi driver for 34 years, described the attack as the most violent experience of his career.

Prosecutor Katie Appleton relayed his statement to the court:

"This incident has changed me. I don't feel safe to work anymore."

Green took a week off work following the incident and expressed uncertainty about returning to his profession.