A MAN and a 17-year-old boy have appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged in connection with the knifepoint robbery of a taxi driver in his vehicle.
Blackburn magistrates heard the Skoda Octavia car was later set alight near to houses in Linden Lea, Rawtenstall, and a family had to be evacuated because of the blaze on February 2.
Christian James Niven, 28, of Sandfield Road, Bacup, and the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged with robbing Parvez Akhtar of his taxi and arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.
Niven was also charged with threatening Mr Akhtar with a knife.
They were both sent to Burnley Crown Court where they will appear on March 14.
Niven was remanded in custody and the boy on bail
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