A 21-year-old man charged with aggravated robbery has been sentenced to 8 years and 5 months imprisonment for robbing a taxi driver.
Esala Delana failed to appear in court today and there has been a bench warrant issued against him.
Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne says the taxi drivers are providing an essential service in this country as in the night it may be the only way of transport available for the public.
He adds that when drivers are targeted in this manner it would discourage them from operating in the night ultimately affecting the public.
Delana and two others on the 12th of June this year had robber the taxi driver of cash and assorted items to the total value of $671.00.
The non-parole period is six years.
