A TAXI driver who was caught on camera defecating in public has been handed a 28-day ban.

The incident is alleged to have happened in March outside Greenstead Social Club.

CCTV caught the cabbie reverse towards the back entrance of the club, pull down his trousers and appear to do his business on the floor.

He was hauled before Colchester Council’s licensing team who handed him a 28 day suspension.

Staff at the social club had to clean up the driver’s mess.

After trying to track down the taxi driver staff reported the incident to the council.

The video was shared online and Colchester Council identified the driver by his car license plate.

The council has the power to review taxi drivers’ licences.

Mike Lilley, communities boss, condemned the behaviour and described taxi drivers as "ambassadors of the borough".

He said: “Following an investigation by licensing officers the taxi driver was given, and is continuing to serve, a 28-day suspension.

“We expect the highest standards from our licensed drivers, who in effect work on behalf of the council for the public.

"They are ambassadors of the borough and this isn’t the sort of behaviour we expect; nobody wants bad behaviour from our licensed drivers to be the impression residents and visitors have of Colchester.

“The council does a tremendous job as a licensing authority and the public can be reassured that any breaches of the regulations by drivers or lack of decent standards that are reported to us will be investigated and appropriately dealt with.”

Speaking last month the club said it hoped for an apology from the driver in question.