Wigan Taxi Driver Assaulted in Violent Dashcam-Recorded Robbery
A routine late-night fare in Wigan escalated into a terrifying armed robbery, leaving a local taxi driver injured and one perpetrator behind bars, while a second suspect remains the subject of a police manhunt.
The Attack on New Street
In the early hours of December 29, 2025, a 29-year-old taxi driver was waiting for a pre-booked customer on New Street in Platt Bridge. According to police reports, the peaceful scene shattered when two masked men approached his black Hyundai Ioniq. The assault was swift and brutal: one assailant opened the passenger door while the second, wielding a hammer, cornered the driver in the front seat.
A desperate struggle ensued inside the vehicle. The driver later told police that Thomas Stewart ransacked the centre console, repeatedly demanding, “Where is the money?” During the violent confrontation, the driver suffered blows from the hammer to his hand and calf. The attackers ultimately fled with £90 in cash, which they discovered hidden under a floor mat, discarding the car’s keys on the ground as they escaped.
Dashcam Evidence Leads to Arrest and Conviction
Critical to solving the case was the vehicle’s dashcam, which captured the entire sequence of events. This digital evidence provided police with a clear visual record of the offenders and their actions. Acting on this footage and other investigative leads, officers from Greater Manchester Police arrested Thomas Stewart at his home in Scholes, Wigan, in January 2026.
On February 20, 2026, Stewart appeared before the courts and was sentenced to four years in prison for the charge of robbery. The conviction underscores the judiciary’s stance on violent crime against essential workers. However, the investigation remains active; the individual who physically wielded the hammer during the attack has not yet been identified or apprehended.
Police Commitment to Worker Safety
Police Constable Richard Kelsall, involved in the case, reinforced the force’s dedication to protecting the community and its workforce. “No one should feel threatened while simply carrying out their work or going about their daily lives,” PC Kelsall stated. “We will always take decisive action against offenders who believe they can act without consequence. The use of dashcam footage in this case was instrumental, and we encourage all drivers to consider using such devices as a deterrent and for evidential purposes.”
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by gig economy and transport workers during unsocial hours. While exact national statistics for taxi driver assaults can fluctuate, organisations like the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association have consistently advocated for enhanced safety measures, including mandatory partition screens and improved emergency communication systems, to mitigate such risks.
The successful prosecution of Stewart, secured by dashcam technology, offers a measure of justice for the victim. The ongoing search for the second suspect demonstrates that the investigation is far from closed, with police urging anyone with information related to the robbery on New Street to come forward.
This article is based on information provided by Greater Manchester Police and court records. The original report was published by PHTM News on February 25, 2026.
Image Credit: www.phtm.co.uk
