A MAN who was banned from dialling 999 unless it was an emergency told a court he was “very sorry” after breaching the order for a fourteenth time. 

David Hales made the latest hoax call on Thursday, November 9 when he turned up drunk at Pitsea rail station having been released from Harlow mental health unit only hours earlier.

The court heard how Hales then threatened police by saying he would kill himself if he was not arrested.

When a police officer attended the scene, Hales told them he was breaching his criminal behaviour order which was imposed to prevent him calling 999 unless he was reporting an emergency.
Echo: Station - David Hales showed up at Pitsea train station whilst he was drunkStation - David Hales showed up at Pitsea train station whilst he was drunk (Image: Newsquest)

 

The order also prohibited Hales from entering railway stations whilst he was under the influence.

An officer then arrested Hales.

He had served just under six months at HMP Chelmsford when he appeared via video link at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday.

Nick Bonehill, mitigating, argued Hales had been released from Harlow mental health unit the same morning having been resident there under compulsory section for three months prior.

He said: “He called the police knowing he was going to be arrested – that’s the way his mind was going at the time having been released and feeling a sense of overwhelming panic of what he could or should be able to do.”

Mr Bonehill added how Hales, of no fixed address, had proved himself as “a trusted prisoner” whilst at HMP Chelmsford.

“He is described as someone different to the person who appeared before the lower courts in November last year,” he said. 

“He has served more than enough time despite the aggravating features.”

 

Echo: Sentence - a judge sentenced David Hales to four months in prison, but he had effectively already served a six-month sentenceSentence - a judge sentenced David Hales to four months in prison, but he had effectively already served a six-month sentence (Image: Newsquest)

 

Sentencing Hales, Her Honour Judge Cohen said: “There was no emergency in reality that required police attendance.

“I am told you had been released from being on a compulsory section as a result of a crisis relating to your PTSD. You plainly are someone who needs help from the mental health services  I hope your time in custody has allowed that crisis to pass somewhat.”

Hales was released from prison and ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.

He said: “I’m very sorry.”