A jogger has been caught on camera fouling the doorstep of a Perth health clinic four times since December last year.
CCTV footage taken from the outside the Osbourne Park clinic showed the person dropping their pants to relieve themselves beside the building before jogging off.
Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia chief executive Melita Markey described the actions as “extremely distressing” for clinic staff.
She told 9News that staff initially believed it was an isolated event when it first happened in December, 2024.
“We thought, oh, someone’s obviously got in a bit of distress and did what they had to do,” she said.
However, the person has since returned three more times in March, April and just last week.
“It is a biohazard, and they are putting people at risk, putting our staff at risk, our clients at risk, and also themselves,” Markey told 9News.
The health clinic has reported the incidents to the police and the local council, and has reportedly engaged professional cleaners.
Markey expressed some sympathy with the woman.
“I believe it’s a cry for help, why she targets us,” she said.
“We’d love her to come in and see our GP and see if we can do something to help her.”
Its not the first offending of this nature in Australia.
Corporate manager Andrew Douglas Macintosh, 64, was dubbed the “poo jogger” after being photographed with his pants down on a suburban street in 2018. The story generated enormous interest on the internet.
He was charged by authorities after a disgruntled resident set out to catch the jogger suspected of relieving himself on the footpath outside an apartment block more than 30 times.
In 2019, celebrity publicist Roxy Jacenko publicly shamed an alleged repeat offending “poo-jogger” outside the Sydney chief executive’s offices.
Jacenko posted videos to her Instagram page at the time, showing the woman stopping and appearing to relieve herself between two cars.
The “Poo Jogger” Returns: Expert Insights on Public Defecation and Possible Underlying Issues
Keywords: Public Defecation, “Poo Jogger”, Mental Health, Health Clinic, Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia, Biohazard, Unusual Behaviour
Time.news: Welcome, everyone, to Time.news. We’re discussing a rather…unpleasant story today out of Perth, Australia.CCTV footage has captured a jogger repeatedly defecating on the doorstep of a health clinic.To help us understand this unusual behaviour, we have Dr. Evelyn Reed, a behavioral psychologist specializing in compulsive disorders and public health, joining us.Dr. Reed, thank you for being here.
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Thank you for having me.
Time.news: Dr. Reed, the story is quite shocking. A jogger has reportedly fouled the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia clinic doorstep four times since December 2024. What are your initial thoughts when you hear something like this?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: My initial reaction is concern. this isn’t simply a case of someone needing to relieve themselves unexpectedly and urgently. The repeated nature of the act, and the specific targeting of the clinic, suggests there could be underlying issues – potentially related to compulsion, mental health, or a specific grievance directed at the clinic itself.
Time.news: The Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia chief executive, Melita Markey, voiced her distress, calling it a “biohazard” and expressing concern for the staff and clients. How justified are these concerns in a situation like this?
Dr. Evelyn reed: Entirely justified. From a public health perspective, human waste poses a critically important biohazard risk. It can spread bacteria, viruses, and parasites, potentially leading to illness.Beyond the physical risks, there’s also the emotional toll on the staff and the patients who are forced to confront such an unsanitary and disrespectful act. The potential for anxiety and disgust is considerable.
Time.news: Markey also mentioned feelings of sympathy, suggesting it could be a “cry for help.” Do you agree with that assessment?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: It’s a very compassionate and a useful perspective. While the act itself is unquestionably wrong, trying to understand the motivation behind it is crucial. the repetitive nature and the choice of location suggest a level of distress or compulsion that warrants a deeper look. If the individual is struggling with a mental health issue, punishment alone won’t solve the problem.
Time.news: This isn’t the first time we’ve seen stories like this in Australia.The article mentions the “poo jogger” of Brisbane and another incident involving a publicist shaming a similar offender. Why do you think these stories capture so much public attention?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: I think there are a few factors at play. firstly, public defecation is a taboo subject. It violates social norms and our sense of order and hygiene. Secondly, the idea of someone deliberately defying these norms, often in a seemingly brazen way, is intriguing and disturbing. the “mystery” aspect – the unknown identity of the perpetrator – adds to the captivation. This kind of behaviour is so far outside what we consider socially acceptable that it immediately captures attention.
Time.news: What are some potential explanations for this type of behaviour, aside from a simple lack of access to a restroom?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: There are several possibilities. It could be a manifestation of a compulsive disorder, where the individual experiences an overwhelming urge to perform the act. it might be a form of protest or anger directed at the clinic, even if the reasons are unclear or irrational.In some cases, it could be related to underlying mental health conditions such as impulse control disorders or even, in rare cases, more severe psychiatric illnesses. It’s also critically important to rule out any potential neurological conditions that might affect bowel control.
Time.news: The clinic has reported the incidents to the police and the local council and has engaged professional cleaners. What other steps should they be taking to protect their staff and patients?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Reporting to the authorities and ensuring proper sanitation are the immediate priorities. Beyond that, increasing security measures, such as improved lighting and more visible CCTV, might act as a deterrent. It’s also important for the clinic to provide support for their staff, potentially through counseling or debriefing sessions, to help them cope with the stress and anxiety caused by these incidents. open interaction with the community can also help to foster a sense of solidarity and vigilance.
Time.news: What advice would you give to someone who witnesses such an act?
Dr.Evelyn Reed: Your safety is paramount. Do not approach or confront the individual directly, as their reactions could be unpredictable.Instead, observe as much detail as possible – clothing, appearance, direction of travel – and report it to the police immediately. If possible, discreetly take a photo or video, but only if it can be done safely and without provoking the individual.
Time.news: Dr. Reed, is there anything else you’d like our readers to consider when encountering news stories like this?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: It’s important to remember that while the act itself is unacceptable, there may be complex underlying factors driving the behavior. Jumping to conclusions or resorting to public shaming can be detrimental and may not address the root cause of the problem. A more nuanced approach,combining law enforcement investigation with a consideration of potential mental health issues,is more likely to lead to a responsible and effective resolution. We need to balance the need for accountability with compassion and a willingness to understand the potential struggles of the individual involved.
Time.news: Dr.Evelyn Reed, thank you for your insightful perspective on this sensitive topic.
Dr. Evelyn Reed: My pleasure.
