An Aberystwyth man has been jailed for three years for the attempted kidnapping of a taxi driver.

Thomas Patrick Mooney, 29, of 3a Park Avenue, admitted attempting to kidnap Patrick Nicholas on 13 October and possessing three knives in a public place in Rhydyfelin, Aberystwyth.

Mooney also pleaded guilty to driving a Ford Focus along the A470 near Aberystwyth while disqualified.

Mooney denied a charge of robbing Mr Nicholas of a car and a quantity of cash.

The prosecution at Swansea Crown Court said the pleas were acceptable to the Crown Prosecution Service and no evidence would be offered on the robbery charge.

The court heard how Mooney flagged down the taxi in the early hours near the town’s railway station.

Jim Davis, prosecuting, said: “He got into the back of the taxi and asked to be taken to Rhydyfelin.

“When they got there and Mooney was told the fare was £6, he leaned forward and Mr Nicholas could see he was holding what looked like a 12-inch long knife at an angle.

“He was frightened for his life, opened his car door and started running, leaving his previous night’s takings of around £300 under the seat.

“He eventually hid in a nearby garden, where he soon heard the sound of his car’s engine being revved up.”

See this week’s Aberystwyth edition for the full story, in shops now or online by clicking the Digital Editions tab at the top of the page