A MAN who repeatedly uses the 999 emergency line to call the police and moan about social services has avoided a jail sentence.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lance Cook abused the 999 operator during a call just days after he had been released from prison for previous breaches of a restraining order.

The magistrates said they were giving Cook another chance but warned that any failure to comply would lead him straight back to jail.

Cook, 58, of Spring Bank Terrace, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order.

He was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay £50 compensation to the operator. He was made subject to community supervision for 12 months with an alcohol treatment requirement.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the 999 operator received an aggressive call from Cook at 2.30pm. He was saying something about his son and was shouting and swearing.

“This is similar to previous breaches,” said Miss Allan.

“He has an ongoing issue with social services and that was why the order was put in place.

“On this occasion, not only was he being abusive, he was tying up the 999 facility when someone could have had a genuine emergency.”

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Cook believed he had been very badly let down by social services at a time when his children were in need.

“His deep resentment stems from then,” said Mr Taylor.

“He made a number of complaints on his children’s behalf when they were young and he and their mother had split up.

“The children are now adults and they have confirmed what he was saying at the time.”

Mr Taylor said Cook felt he had been robbed of playing a part in his children growing up and it preyed on his mind.

“When everything becomes too much for him he drinks too much and when he does that he becomes more fixated on the past."