POLICE responding to an anonymous phone call found a man lying on a bench with a rope around his neck.
Blackburn magistrates heard Jonathan Fletcher repeatedly denied that he had been responsible for the call from a phone box and only admitted his guilt after officers showed him CCTV footage.
Fletcher, 23, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to wasting police time.
He was made subject to a community order for six months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement, fined £50 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £90 victim surcharge.
Joanne Cronshaw, prosecuting, said after admitting responsibility Fletcher told police he was depressed having been thrown out of his accommodation in Preston New Road, Blackburn, that day and had been drinking.
Duncan Nightingale, defending, said his client's actions had represented a cry for help.
"He said he thought when the police found him with the rope around his neck they would take him to hospital," said Mr Nightingale.
"There is nothing on his record until this year when he seems to be going through a bad patch."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel