Richard William Cove, 45, from Heene, Worthing, has pleaded guilty to making malicious communications after bombarding NHS 111 with false calls. The defendant admitted his bizarre prank at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 10 August. Sentencing is scheduled for 13 September.
NHS 111 is a free service providing medical advice in non-emergency situations across Sussex, operated by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb). Between April 2019 and April 2021, officials uncovered 1,263 calls from Cove posing as an elderly woman with unusual queries about feet.
The nuisance calls involved fake personal details and fabricated ailments, which caused clinicians to make return calls and even dispatch ambulances. The total cost to the NHS was a staggering £21,869.21, all wasted on this twisted prank.
PC David Quayle confirmed the investigation: “We traced the offender’s phone number and arrested Cove at his home, where he made the calls from his landline.” He added, “He admitted making all the calls for his own enjoyment and personal benefit. He said he has a sexual foot fetish which he indulged during most of the calls.”
SECAmb’s David Davis condemned the selfish behaviour: “One false call puts lives at risk by diverting resources from genuine emergencies. Our staff work tirelessly and these calls caused them unnecessary distress.” He continued, “We welcome Cove’s conviction and the efforts of everyone involved to hold him accountable.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
