Knifeman randomly attacked victims in city rampage

Pablo Hernandez carried out the "shocking" attacks in central Leeds on a busy Friday night, police say

A man who stabbed a taxi driver before stealing his cab and going on the rampage in Leeds city centre has been jailed.

Pablo Hernandez, 22, left six victims in his wake on a busy Friday night as he crashed into cars and attacked people at random.

He was jailed for seven years at Leeds Crown Court on Monday after admitting nine offences.

Det Insp John Graham, of West Yorkshire Police, said his attacks "could have easily had more tragic consequences".

Hernandez had booked a taxi to pick him up from Hillcrest View, Harehills, at about 21:30 GMT on 27 January last year, West Yorkshire Police said.

He got into the back of the car and, without warning, got out a knife and stabbed the driver in the chest and shoulder.

The victim, a 41-year-old man, ran to a nearby shop for help.

Hernandez sped off in the Toyota Auris to the city centre, where he hit a number of vehicles in queuing traffic in Aire Street, close to the railway station.

He mounted the pavement and struck a pedestrian, a 49-year-old man, who was carried 66ft (20m) on the bonnet before being thrown off.

The car then crushed his right foot, police said.

Hernandez abandoned the vehicle and tried to take another taxi, attempting to pull the 54-year-old driver out and punching him in the face before running off.

He ran into a nearby restaurant and grabbed two bottles of beer.

A friend of the injured pedestrian chased after Hernandez and tried to block his route, but the 53-year-old was hit around the head with a bottle.

Hernandez began running over car roofs before British Transport Police officers, who had been nearby, managed to catch him.

'Shocking'

Hernandez, of Tall Trees, Moortown, had pleaded guilty in July to wounding with intent, two counts of assault, theft of a vehicle, possession of a bladed article, dangerous driving, attempted robbery and two counts of criminal damage.

Det Insp Graham said Hernandez's attacks "in the city centre on a busy Friday night were witnessed by several people who were understandably in fear".

He said: "Hernandez was responsible for a shocking catalogue of offences that occurred over a very short period of time and affected a significant number of people.

“The taxi driver he stabbed was very seriously injured and it could have easily had more tragic consequences."

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