Man given Criminal Behavior Order after making hundreds of calls to emergency services

A Hereford man has been given a three year order after making hundreds of calls to the emergency services.

The order was granted against 49-year-old Derek Anthony from Hereford.

This order was granted on the request of West Mercia Police as a consequence of Mr Anthony being convicted of making malicious calls to the emergency services.

Over a period of time he made hundreds of calls to the ambulance service and the Police, the majority of times when he was drunk, and on numerous occasions making threats to harm himself and additionally being threatening and abusive towards the call taker.

These calls did result in significant resources being deployed to find him to ensure he was safe and well. At all times he was found safe and at no risk of harm.

Mr Anthony had been subject to a previous order prohibiting him from making false calls for help. This order expired in 2012.

The court were requested that they put in place similar prohibitions that prevented him from making calls to the emergency services unless in the case of a genuine emergency. Additionally the court were ask to make an order that he is prohibited from being aggressive, threatening or obstructive to call takers when speaking to them. A request was also made for him to be directed to engage with Drug and Alcohol support services to tackle his alcohol addiction.

The court agreed that a CBO was required and agreed that Mr Anthony would be prohibited from displaying abusive, obstructive or aggressive conduct towards members of the emergency services including NHS staff, whether face to face or by telephone.

He was also made subject of a Probation Order which will address his alcohol misuse and addiction.