Post by Cllr Simon Tagg on Nov 5, 2009 14:33:23 GMT
Hoax Caller Sent To Jail
Hoax callers are being sent a strong warning following the jailing of a Staffordshire man.
Richard Roy Faulds from Tamworth has received a 31 week sentence for making three hoax calls within just 10 days in July to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The offender called 999 on three occasions, claiming that his ex girlfriend’s house was on fire. Over the course of the three incidents a total of seven fire engines from Tamworth and Lichfield along with two fire officers were sent.
Area Commander for Newcastle, Becci Bryant, who was Area Commander at Tamworth at the time of the incidents said: “We’re extremely pleased that justice has been done and the offender has been sentenced. This sends out a very strong message to people - making hoax calls is not acceptable and as a fire and rescue service we take it very seriously.
“Whilst we were attending these hoax calls our crews were not available to attend true emergency calls, putting lives at risk.”
Control Room Manager, Gill Irwin commented: “The technology we have now allows us to establish where calls are being made from whether they be from a landline or a mobile. We also have the powers to ask for mobile phones to be disconnected and details are always passed to the police.”
Hoax callers can be prosecuted under section 49 of the fire and rescue services act of 2004, which can attract a sentence of up to 51 weeks.
To book a free Home Fire Risk Check contact: 0800 0241 999. For all other non emergency enquiries contact: 08451 22 11 55 or log onto: www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/firekills. In an emergency dial 999.
Hoax callers are being sent a strong warning following the jailing of a Staffordshire man.
Richard Roy Faulds from Tamworth has received a 31 week sentence for making three hoax calls within just 10 days in July to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The offender called 999 on three occasions, claiming that his ex girlfriend’s house was on fire. Over the course of the three incidents a total of seven fire engines from Tamworth and Lichfield along with two fire officers were sent.
Area Commander for Newcastle, Becci Bryant, who was Area Commander at Tamworth at the time of the incidents said: “We’re extremely pleased that justice has been done and the offender has been sentenced. This sends out a very strong message to people - making hoax calls is not acceptable and as a fire and rescue service we take it very seriously.
“Whilst we were attending these hoax calls our crews were not available to attend true emergency calls, putting lives at risk.”
Control Room Manager, Gill Irwin commented: “The technology we have now allows us to establish where calls are being made from whether they be from a landline or a mobile. We also have the powers to ask for mobile phones to be disconnected and details are always passed to the police.”
Hoax callers can be prosecuted under section 49 of the fire and rescue services act of 2004, which can attract a sentence of up to 51 weeks.
To book a free Home Fire Risk Check contact: 0800 0241 999. For all other non emergency enquiries contact: 08451 22 11 55 or log onto: www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/firekills. In an emergency dial 999.