A Bondi Junction man who held up a Wollongong taxi driver with a pistol was arrested a month later after being found unconscious in the back of another taxi.
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Tyson William Marjoribanks pulled a gun when the taxi driver dropped him at North Wollongong railway station and asked for the $27.30 fare.
When the terrified driver got out and ran, Marjoribanks took the wheel and made off with the vehicle.
The 36-year-old pleaded guilty in Wollongong Local Court yesterday to one count of aggravated assault with intent to take a motor vehicle while armed.
About 8.15pm on June 20, Marjoribanks got in a taxi at Warrawong and asked the driver to take him to Coniston railway station, but upon arrival he asked instead to go to Wollongong railway station, and then North Wollongong railway station. But, when the driver pulled up in Station Street and turned to his passenger to ask for the $27.30 fare, Marjoribanks pointed a gun at his temple.
Fearful of being shot, the driver ducked back and forth out of the gun's sights before opening the driver's door and running.
The taxi was later located behind a West Wollongong block of units. Police used the taxi's CCTV footage to identify Marjoribanks as the attacker.
A month later police were carrying out random breath testing at Bondi when a taxi pulled over and the driver asked for help with an unconscious passenger.
Marjoribanks was taken to St Vincent's Hospital and later transferred to Waverley police station, where he was charged.
Opposing bail yesterday, Crown solicitor Jackie Azad stressed the seriousness of the matter and said the protection of the community was paramount. She said Marjoribanks had only been in custody for four months and was likely to be given further time.
Defence solicitor Gary Leo, representing Marjoribanks, said his client would reside at a Bondi Junction address, would comply with a curfew and agreed to steer clear of alcohol and other drugs.
Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused bail and committed the 36-year-old to be sentenced in Wollongong District Court next week.