A MAN who phoned police and made threats towards them and members of the public referenced 'cop killer' Dale Cregan in a terrifying phone call.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard the comments came on the 10th anniversary of the murder of two female officers who were gunned down by Cregan in cold blood.

They had attended what they thought was a routine report of a burglary, but as they approached the front door of a maisonette in Mottram, Cregan burst out of the house armed with a Glock pistol.

Both officers, PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes, died in the hail of bullets that he fired.

In court, Jamie O’Shea, 32, of St Leger Court, Accrington, pleaded guilty to two charges of making threatening phone calls to police.

Sentencing was adjourned until the completion of other court proceedings.

Paul Sumner, prosecuting, said at the time of the offences O’Shea was living in a tent in Bullough Park, Accrington.

He contacted police twice making threats to harm members of the public and officers.

“He talked about killing female officers and slitting the throats of members of the public,” said Mr Sumner.

“He also mentioned Dale Cregan and this weekend was the 10th anniversary of the murder of PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes.”

Graeme Parkinson, in mitigation, said O’Shea had been drinking strong cider and living rough, and his mental health was spiralling out of control.

“As a result he made these phone calls,” said Mr Parkinson.

“He doesn’t remember what the content of the calls was but accepts they were unacceptable.

"He says he wasn’t aware of any proximity to anything involving Dale Cregan.”