Taxi Driver robbed, suspect charged

At about 3:30am on Sunday 14 July 2013 a 61 year old taxi driver accepted a fare in Bogle Way, Spalding and after driving a short distance the passenger asked the driver to stop the taxi near the intersection of Lawley Street and Sullivan Court, Spalding.

The male passenger took the drivers wallet from the centre console of the vehicle before exiting and running away. The driver gave chase on foot and a physical altercation occurred where the taxi driver was assaulted and sustained minor injuries. The driver was ultimately able to retrieve his wallet with the assistance of two female witnesses who came to his aid.

Geraldton police were contacted and rapidly attended at the incident location. This timely response saw the male passenger arrested at the scene.

The passenger, a 33 year old male from Mullewa was charged with Stealing, Serious Assault (taxi driver) and Common Assault (female witness). He was refused bail and is to appear in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on Monday 15 July 2013.