Rangimaria Sellars, 46, has been sentenced to 40 months in prison for stabbing a taxi driver six times during a ride to Christchurch Airport in October 2024.
The attack, which left the driver critically injured, occurred after Sellars admitted she couldn’t pay her fare. Sellars, who was intoxicated on drugs and alcohol at the time, falsely accused the driver of inappropriate contact—an allegation disproven by CCTV footage.
The court noted Sellars’ extensive criminal history and recent release from prison as factors warranting public protection.
Although she received a sentencing discount for her guilty plea and “difficult upbringing”, the case has reignited concerns over taxi driver safety, with calls for tougher penalties for violence against public transport workers.
Image credit: Fellipe Ditadi
Ridiculous. She be out in 2 years.
Labour camps!