Deliveroo driver who bit off customer’s thumb ‘like a chainsaw’ in savage row over pizza avoids jail

A DELIVEROO driver who bit off a customer’s thumb in a savage row over pizza has avoided jail.

Jenniffer Rocha, 35, bit through Stephen Jenkinson’s digit “like a chainsaw” after a mix-up over the delivery.

The moped rider had arrived at the wrong location – forcing plumber Stephen to go and meet her so he could collect his meal.

But he accidentally left his phone indoors so was unable to give Rocha a delivery code, which sparked a row.

Despite offering to run in and collect his mobile, Rocha then saw red and severed Stephen’s thumb just above the knuckle.

She today avoided jail after pleading guilty to one count of grievous bodily harm.

Rocha was instead handed a 16 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Judge Mousley KC said: “What is clear in this case is the thumb going into your mouth was completely accidental and [Mr Jenkinson] had no intention to do that.

“But you, of course, would not have known and you had been pushed and finding a thumb in your mouth, I’m satisfied you didn’t know how things would develop.

“This was a grave injury, and it resulted in a permanent, irreversible injury.”

Winchester Crown Court heard the horror unfolded on December 14, 2022, after Stephen splashed out £57.83 on pizza.

A scuffle broke out, and although different accounts were given by both sides, it was accepted Stephen pushed Rocha three times.

On the third push, his thumb accidentally entered her mouth through the visor on her helmet – leading the delivery driver to forcibly bite down.

In a victim impact statement, Stephen said: “This assault has cost me my relationship, my time, my daughter, my career, my home, my money, and has had a huge impact on my mental health.”

Stephen told the court his partner had given birth just weeks before the attack but his relationship fell apart as a result of the stress.

As he could no longer afford the mortgage because he was unable to work, the plumber was forced to move back home.

Part of Stephen’s big toe was grafted onto the stump of his missing thumb following months of reconstructive surgery.

But he still cannot work as a plumber and gas engineer – and lost his gas licence because he’s no longer able to re-connect a boiler.

Stephen added: “Financially, I’m currently in £74,000 worth of debt.”

Following the attack, the revealed how Rocha continued working for Deliveroo even after the account she was using was suspended.

Video footage showed the thug picking up food for delivery before speeding off on a moped despite her conviction.

Deliveroo later confirmed the account had been suspended.

They said: “We immediately cancelled the account that was being used at the time of this terrible incident and subsequently terminated an alternative account.

“We have strengthened our processes and recently introduced a new registration process and identity verification technology for substitute riders.”

John Hepworth, a District Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “Mr Jenkinson has suffered from life changing injuries, the impact of which cannot be understated. This attack has permanently altered his life.

“Jeniffer Rocha’s assault far exceeded that of any force necessary and her conduct was completely unacceptable.

“This is a serious offence and I hope that today’s sentence sends a clear message that the CPS will not tolerate this behaviour.

“I want to thank Mr Jenkinson for his support in the prosecution and wish him all the best in his recovery.”