Stephen Holder, 62, of Snodhurst Avenue, Chatham, has been slapped with a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order after making 414 nuisance calls to emergency services within a single year.
The grandfather repeatedly threatened self-harm during calls that often lasted over an hour, significantly draining NHS and Kent Police resources, with costs exceeding £45,000.
Between January 2019 and February 2020, Holder made 118 calls to Kent Police, costing taxpayers approximately £15,000. He also contacted the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) 296 times. Emergency crews frequently had to attend his home to check on his welfare.
Despite receiving support from Kent Police and Medway Council, and facing warnings including a Community Protection Notice, Holder continued his behaviour. He was issued a fixed penalty for his conduct but failed to pay, which led police to pursue court action.
On April 14, 2020, Medway Magistrates’ Court imposed a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order on Holder. The order prohibits making emergency calls unless there is a genuine emergency, bans withholding or providing false identity when calling police for legitimate reasons, and forbids instructing others to make emergency calls on his behalf unless truly needed.
PC Beth Honess from Medway’s Community Safety Unit said, “Holder was a persistent nuisance caller who wasted valuable emergency time and despite support kept abusing the system. I hope this makes others think twice.”
SECAmb added, “We support vulnerable frequent callers but take action when necessary to hold them accountable. We hope this acts as a deterrent.”
Cllr Adrian Gulvin of Medway Council stated, “Misusing emergency services and abusing frontline workers is unacceptable. This case sends a clear message that wasting emergency time will not be tolerated.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
