A 26-year-old Oldbury man who viciously stabbed a taxi driver after taking a cocktail of drink and drugs has been jailed for 33 months.

Ryan Mullen – described as having a history of violent offending – left his victim with a "significant" wound to his arm that had to be treated at hospital because the man insisted on being paid his fare upfront.

Judge Nicholas Cartwright said Mullen, who had been the subject at the time of two community orders, had clearly been under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.

He had downed 10 pints of strong lager and taken the controlled drug before his attack on the taxi driver who was a “particularly vulnerable victim” doing his job and serving the public.

Paul Spratt, prosecuting, said Mullen contacted the Oldbury taxi firm to book a ride to the Erdington area but the driver insisted he first pay the £20 fare.

Mullen began to argue, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told, and after producing a knife he stabbed the driver with “some degree of force” in the arm causing a “nasty” wound that had to be stitched.

In a victim impact statement, the driver later told police officers the attack left him frightened because he “realised he could have been left for dead”.

Mullen, of High Street, admitted wounding and Amanda O'Mara, defending, stressed he had finally learned a mixture of alcohol and drugs made him violent

She said: “He accepts he has an unsavoury record but there is definitely hope for the future.”

Mr Sprat told the court that police officers had no trouble tracking down Mullen, finding him at the Erdington address he gave the taxi firm.