Taxi driver Michael Luke was stunned when a passenger tried to hold up his cab - with a tin of tuna.

Gary Hutchinson warned Mr Luke he had a "shooter" before demanding he hand over his takings after directing him to a deserted road.

The 29-year-old then punched the cabbie in the face before throwing the tin into the car as Mr Luke retaliated.

Anne Richardson, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: "Mr Luke became concerned when he ended up on a dead-end road with a brick wall at the end of it.

"He asked for the £5.50 fare and the defendant began struggling with his coat. Mr Luke thought he was trying to get his money out of his pocket.

"He then went round to Mr Luke's open window and said 'I've got a shooter - give me your money'. He had a small flat tin in his hand, which turned out to be a tin of tuna flakes.

"The defendant then punched him in the face with the hand holding the tin as Mr Luke was trying to get away.

"Mr Luke was hit again, but this time he punched back. He reversed his car and got away as the defendant threw the tin through the window."

Hutchinson, of Dryden Street, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery on September 14, last year, and a further charge of theft, on September 22.

He was jailed for three years and three months by judge Esmond Faulks yesterday.

Hutchinson, an alcoholic with a string of previous convictions for dishonesty, claimed he could remember nothing about the incident.