Steven Sansom, of Applegarth, New Addington, Surrey, was remanded until January 4 by magistrates at Croyden, south London.

He is charged with the murder of 59-year-old Terence Boyle.

Taxi-driver colleagues of Mr Boyle sat in the back of the court during the four minute hearing.

Mr Boyle's throat was cut after he picked up a fare in Croydon town centre.

The father-of-two staggered to a nearby house to call for help but collapsed and died on the doorstep before the ambulance arrived.

His wife Emelin, 56, said her 59-year-old husband had been working overtime to earn enough money to buy extra Christmas presents for their sons, Matthew, 11, and James, 16.