A TAXI driver left disfigured for life when a teenage thug launched a knife attack in his cab has hit out at his attacker's jail term.

Elroy McArthur fled from the scene of the attack -driving with one hand and holding a huge flap of blood-soaked skin against his cheek with the other.

Although Daniel Woods, aged only 16 and with a lengthy criminal record at the time of the attack, was yesterday locked up indefinitely, Mr McArthur was disappointed he could be released in four years.

A judge ruled the teenager was a serious danger to the public and could only be released when he is no longer considered a risk, but set a minimum term of four years.

Mr McArthur needed plastic surgery and 43 stitches to his face after the attack in Catterick Village, North Yorkshire, in November 2005.

After the hearing, self-employed Mr McArthur, who has been left with a 4in scar across his face, took six weeks off work to recover and is still haunted by the attack.

He said: "He should have been locked up for life for what he did to me. In Darlington, taxi drivers are assaulted every weekend and cars are smashed up."

He also called for Darlington Borough Council to do more to protect taxi drivers, such as subsidising the instalment of security cameras in taxis.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 55-year-old picked up Woods from Darlington railway station and was asked to take him to Tunstall Road, Catterick Village.

When they arrived in the village, Mr McArthur asked Woods again where he wanted to go.

Suzanne Smales, prosecuting, said Mr McArthur suggested they went to the police station for directions, but Woods demanded his takings.

Woods, who was wanted by police for another matter, pulled out a lock knife, slashed Mr McArthur and tried to stab him in the head.

Ms Smales said Mr McArthur was in a panic but managed to get out of the car, before the defendant ran away.

Mr McArthur then drove to the hospital in Darlington, holding a flap of skin in place with his right hand and steering with his left.

Judge Peter Fox told Woods, who was the subject of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) at the time: "It was an appalling attack on a perfectly innocent man.

"He will obviously be severely scarred for life. The trauma to him must have been dreadful at the time and its long-term effect should not be underestimated."

Woods, now 17, from Penwortham, Preston, Lancashire, admitted charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and breaching his Asbo.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: "We are very sorry to hear of this incident and are glad the perpetrator has been prosecuted.

"However, taxi drivers are not employees of the council and are, therefore, responsible for their own personal safety."