A 29-YEAR-OLD man who rang police and told them he had cut his wrists and was dying was found unharmed by officers who responded.

Blackburn magistrates heard Terence Howarth was banned from contacting the emergency services except in a genuine emergency by an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) imposed because of previous problems.

Howarth, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to breach of an ASBO. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody suspended for 12 months, made subject to a curfew between 7pm and 7am for eight weeks and ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said it was not the first breach of the order which was imposed to prevent him contacting the emergency services.

"On the latest occasion the police clearly had to respond despite knowing the history," said Mrs Mann. "When they arrived at his address they had to force the door and then found him safe and well with no injuries to his wrists. The problem with this kind of offence is that it prevents the emergency services from attending more urgent matters."

Adam Whittaker, defending, said the main purpose of the ASBO had to prevent Howarth causing a nuisance in Bolton town centre. He had made threats to a police officer and the condition not to contact the emergency services had been added.

"The police knew this latest incident was a nuisance call but they had to attend," said Mr Whittaker.