Perth Voice Interactive

POLICE are now investigating the incident where a Swan Taxis driver allegedly defecated on a Leederville verge last Tuesday morning.

The WA transport department has suspended its own investigation “in relation to a potential offence for driver misconduct” and is now assisting the police.

Our source who witnessed the squat and release confirms police have been in touch, and say they’ll be looking over cab footage and GPS logs to verify claims. The department says “the taxi company involved is also conducting its own independent investigation”.

Meanwhile our wee tale last week about a poo on a Leederville verge went global, featuring on the brilliantly droll UK-based Angry People in Local Newspapers Facebook page. Usually featuring sullen Poms scowling while they point at a crack in a pavement, this week our front page graced its hall of shame, posted with the sarcy comment “It’s all going off in Australia tonight”.

Australia’s Media Watch also posted our story on its Facebook page, stating “The Perth Voice takes crap front pages to a new level with this stinker”.

Commenter Ash Peake came to our defence, commenting: “This [is] actually far more intellectually stimulating than ‘The West Australian’.”

Another, Peter Dowling, said “I’m surprised Rupert hasn’t made a bid for this paper!!! Seems right up his alley”.

In a statement that Swan Taxis refused to attribute to an actual human being, the company says: “Based on our initial investigation, the driver concerned was suffering from a severe case of food poisoning.

“Prior to the incident, he had vomited, felt feverish with unbearable pain in his stomach. As part of our procedure, the driver will be required to appear before our disciplinary tribunal.

“We are also working closely with City of Vincent and Department of Transport in resolving this matter.”

Doesn’t really explain why he came pre-armed with a bog roll, but we’ll leave that to the plods.

by DAVID BELL