A MAN who made false calls for help has been handed a three-year criminal behaviour order.

Derek Ian Anthony, 50, of Devereux House, Hereford, admitted assaulting two police officers and wasting police time when he appeared before magistrates.

Prosecutor Emily Clewer said police and paramedics went to Anthony’s home on February 12 after he rang 999 threatening to drown himself in the river.

But Anthony was drunk, uncooperative, and argumentative on their arrival, and after half an hour, paramedics decided it was clear he did not need their assistance and he was arrested.

While in custody, Anthony deliberately set off an emergency call alarm, and pushed the responding police officer backwards when he entered his cell.

He later assaulted another officer, grabbing and damaging his shirt when he tried to rouse him.

Chris Read, for Anthony, said he has learning difficulties and a tendency to call the emergency services when feeling alone and depressed, but finds it very difficult to interact with people he does not know.

“The situation has been made worse by the recent death of his mother, who was someone he could talk to,” Mr Read said.

“What needs to be addressed is his habit of doing this as a coping mechanism. He has been told this, and seems to understand, but sadly does seem to have a tendency to do it again weeks later.

The order prohibits Anthony from displaying abusive, obstructive or aggressive conduct towards emergency workers.

He also received a 12-month community order, 90 hours unpaid work, and must pay costs of £185 and a £90 victim surcharge.

Jim Mooney, police community safety coordinator said: “While this order did not go as far as police requested, that the court agrees a three-year order is necessary to protect emergency services and NHS staff from Anthony’s abusive and aggressive conduct indicates that his behaviour has caused alarm and distress to others.

“He has made over 250 calls of this nature since 2012, and has gone to A&E suffering from alcohol abuse numerous times.

“On many occasions, we have found Anthony drunk but safe and well. The cost of these deployments is significant and does impact on the resilience of emergency services to respond to genuine calls for help”.

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