A Swindon man was recalled to prison after abusing 999 operators, a court heard.
Clive Gonsalves, 35, was under post-sentence supervision when he committed the Communications Act offence by swearing at emergency service call handlers during 40 phone calls.
Appearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court, Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, said the defendant was given “words of advice” about his behaviour – but he continued.
He was heard “rambling” down the phone, swearing and being verbally abusive towards staff in the 999 contact centre in November 2021.
Despite the warnings, Gonsalves continued – prompting police officers to track him down and arrest him. In custody, he provided a no comment interview.
The court heard that the defendant, of Ponting Street, was given a community order for a similar offence in 2019 and served a custodial sentence for criminal damage last November.
Probation officer Michelle James said he had been recalled to prison as a result of this offence.
Mark Glendenning, defending, told the court that his client’s criminal record was “testament to the issue he has” – alcoholism.
Magistrates told Gonsalves he was “just wasting their [the call handlers’] time”, and fined him £100. He must also pay costs of £85 and a £34 surcharge.
