By Lucy Richardson
The Northern Echo
STOCKTON, England — A hysterical woman who dialled 999 screaming for help from the emergency services has been sentenced for making a hoax call.
Police officers and paramedics were called to Campbell Court, in Stockton, following Colleen Crocker’s desperate telephone plea on February 12. Police had to force down her door.
The 40-year-old, who suffers from learning difficulties, was given a 12-month conditional discharge after pleading guilty at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, in Middlesbrough, yesterday, to making the hoax call.
Joanne Hesse, prosecuting, said: “Police were called to an address in response to an unknown caller who had been screaming for an ambulance and police to attend to her partner, who needed immediate medical attention.
“Police had to force entry because they could not see anyone inside and the door was locked. There was no one inside the premises.”
Mrs Hesse said that Crocker then appeared outside admitting that she had called the emergency services.
Her partner said that he had no knowledge of what she had done and was not ill.
Mrs Hesse said Crocker told officers: “I did call for the police and ambulance, I do not know why I did it — I’m stressed.
“She said her partner had a funny hand and wanted it treated.”
Adam Hodge, for Crocker, said there was no indication that his client had intended to cause any mischief and the case had significant mitigating features.
“The offence was caused because she was experiencing high stress levels. She is 40 years old and has significant learning difficulties, " he said.
“She is an incredibly vulnerable woman who is attended by a social worker.”
He added: “The offence is an odd one in that as soon as the call is made, an offence is committed. She was shouting and bawling, she was hysterical. She cannot cope on a daily basis.”
He said Crocker, who pleaded guilty to a similar offence more than a year ago, was represented by a solicitor and an “appropriate” adult when interviewed by police.
“She is clearly somebody who is troubled, " said Mr Hodge.
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