Date published: 26 March 2019

A woman from Northampton who made repeated nuisance calls to 999 has been found guilty of offences under the Communications Act 2003.

Kerry Brown, from Northampton, rang 999 and stated that someone was in cardiac arrest but when clinicians arrived on scene, she was alone on scene intoxicated, abusive and often refused help.

The Frequent Caller team has worked closely with other organisations over the past eight months trying to engage Brown with the appropriate help and support but was left with no option but to pursue prosecution.

Brown appeared at Northampton Magistrates Court on 21 March where she pleaded guilty of persistently making use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety.

She was sentenced to:

  • A 12 month community order
  • 20 rehabilitation days
  • A requirement of six months alcohol treatment
  • A requirement of mental health treatment

 

Brown was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and £1,100 costs to EMAS.

The Frequent Callers team said they were very pleased that this not only sends a firm message to would be hoax callers but also that magistrates have enforced treatment orders to address the root causes of Brown’s behaviour.