A MAN who repeatedly contacts emergency services, causing a massive drain on resources, has been jailed.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lance Cook had been making time wasting calls for more than eight years and had numerous previous convictions arising out of his behaviour.

The latest offences, involving more than 100 calls, had cost the ambulance service alone an estimated £15,000.

The police, fire and social services had also been put to “massive” inconvenience.

Cook, 62, of Spring Bank Terrace, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to eight charges of wasting police time and four of making phone calls which caused anxiety or distress. He was jailed for 36 weeks.

He was made subject to a criminal behaviour order for three which prohibits him contacting emergency services except in a genuine emergency.

Vaqas Yaqub, prosecuting, said in February the problems being caused by Cook were the subject of a multi-agency team attempt to sort the issues.

“Despite that he continued to contact police, complaining about his son being taken into care many years ago and how social services had dealt with it,” said Mr Yaqub.

“He makes calls about issues in the area where he lives and many of these are made when he is under the influence of drink or drugs.”

He said despite calls to the ambulance service Cook had never been found to be in need of medical attention.

“More than 125 calls were made in the five months covered by the charges causing a massive drain on the emergency services,” said Mr Yaqub.

“A lot of work has been put in to try and help him but nothing seems to have made a difference. His behaviour appears to be escalating despite all the support that is in place.”

Damien Pickup, defending, said the issues with the defendant’s son had been genuine but happened many years ago.

“I have tried to explain to him that 999 is for genuine emergencies but it is difficult to get through to him,” said Mr Pickup.

“I believe he has serious mental health issues which have gone under the radar. Unless someone gets to the root cause of this and gets into his head it is just going to continue.”