A MAN has been given a suspended jail sentence after admitting making offensive and indecent 999 calls.

Stuart Andrew Gray, 48, of Rodbourne Road, Swindon, was given an 18-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months after he made a series of abusive and threatening calls to the emergency services.

He appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on December 3 and pleaded guilty to four counts of sending communication/article of an indecent/offensive nature.

Wiltshire Police Force Incident Manager Inspector Dave Minty said: “Gray called the 999 call centre a number of times earlier this month and subjected our call handlers to a torrent of abuse and threats.

“Not only did this cause them distress and anxiety, but it clearly took up their time when they could have been dealing with a real emergency situation.

“I hope this acts as a warning to anyone else thinking of make false or inappropriate emergency calls.”

In addition to the suspended jail sentence, Gray was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80 and costs of £85.