VIOLENT John Holt is beginning a five-year stretch behind bars after robbing a taxi driver at knifepoint.

Holt, of Howard Road, Chesham, appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court on Monday where he initially denied robbing cabbie Tariq Mahmood before dramatically changing his plea.

The 28-year-old changed his mind during a brief adjournment after the prosecution opened its case. He then pleaded guilty to robbery.

Ben Gumpert, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Mahmood, who works for a High Wycombe taxi firm, was sent to Holmer Green to collect Holt on September 11 last year.

Holt, who was drinking a can of beer, asked to be taken to Chesham.

But when the car arrived at Highfield Road, Chesham, Holt asked him to pull over by an alley before pulling out a knife from his pocket and holding it to Mr Mahmood's throat.

The court heard how Holt then demanded: "Give me all your money or I'll stab you."

Mr Gumpert said Mr Mahmood handed over a bag containing about £60.

Holt again threatened the taxi driver for more cash, but after being told that there was no more, he then made off with the cash.

The court heard that after his arrest Holt initially denied having been in Holmer Green or being in a taxi.

However, Holt was picked out from an identity parade by Mr Mahmood.

Holt then admitted he had been in the taxi but denied using a knife. He also denied stealing any cash from Mr Mahmood.

Tom Nicholson-Pratt, defending, told the court that Holt remembered very little about the robbery as he had been drinking.

Jailing Holt for five years, Judge Terence Maher said: "Somewhat unusually you have pleaded guilty after the case had been opened to jury but before any evidence was called and I give you some credit forowning up when many might have fought matters to the bitter end.

"But taxi drivers are very vulnerable and are entitled to look to the courts for protection by way of appropriate sentences."