A MAN who started taking drugs at the age of nine has been jailed for eight years for robbing two cab drivers and attacking two police officers.

Daniel Marsland, 30, of Kirkgate, Shipley, was labelled “dangerous” by Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC as he sentenced him for two counts of robbery, an assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and an assault by beating.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that on June 25 last year, police were called to an area near Brackenbed Lane in Halifax after reports that Marsland was under the influence of drink and drugs and cutting his wrists.

When police arrived, he swore at them and as Sergeant Matthew Dalton tried to grab his wrists, he punched him in the face.

As other officers tried to intervene, Marsland kicked and hit them, landing one kick to the forehead of PC Drew Wilson.

Sgt Dalton suffered damaged to his teeth, including a fracture to his molar, which required surgery.

While on bail for those offences, Marsland robbed two cab drivers at knifepoint within two days of each other.

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On October 16, he stole about £90 and a dashboard camera after threatening Yasir Saddique with a two-inch blade outside Regent Court, Halifax.

Mr Saddique said Marsland held the blade “very close to his neck” as he repeatedly shouted “give me the money”.

On October 18, Marsland was on crutches when he was picked up outside Huddersfield Royal Infirmary by Mustafa Mohammed, who then drove him to Siddal.

Mr Mohammed said he felt something “cold and metallic” against his skin as Marsland again made demands for money.

After talking his wallet, which contained three debit cards and about £110, Mr Mohammed attempted to follow Marsland but he raised his crutch as if he was going to strike the car, causing Mr Mohammed to crash into a wall.

The court heard that Marsland had been sentenced to four years detention for robbery in 2003 after threatening a man with a brick and stealing his car and five years in prison in 2008 for robbery and attempted robbery, when both complainants were cab drivers.

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Conor Quinn, for Marsland, said his client was a crack cocaine addict who had been diagnosed with a personality dysfunction.

Judge Durham Hall condemned Marsland’s attacks on people providing vital services to the public.

He said: “Drugs, which you have unbelievably been taking since the age of nine, are the root cause of your problems.

"You are a danger to anyone, whether they are trying to help you or not.

"In your short life, you have caused an appalling wake of damage, harm, and upset. I assess you as dangerous, without a shadow of a doubt. The risk of harm is clearly established.”