A 51-YEAR-OLD man who made hundreds of prank phone calls to the emergency services has been given a 150-day jail term and an Asbo.

Shane Gaudoine of Hawthorn Road, Dartford, was sentenced at Dartford Magistrates’ Court on April 6.

He was found guilty of persistently abusing the public electronic communications network, causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety.

The Asbo, which applies across Kent, has been suspended until he is released and will run indefinitely.

It bans him from making prank telephone calls to the emergency services and calling public bodies, businesses or individuals in a manner likely to cause nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress.

Gaudoine made so many calls while intoxicated he jammed control room switchboards at the police, fire and ambulance services.

He would call asking for help but when staff arrived they would be greeted with abuse.

Gaudoine would also call private businesses and individuals.

Over the past five years, he has had six convictions and three penalty notices relating to his abuse of the telephone system.

North Kent police’s Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Cochrane said: “The actions of Shane Gaudoine could have diverted police resources from those who most needed them.

“Hopefully this will send out a strong message to those who choose to divert our resources away from real emergencies.”

He added: “We are extremely pleased with the sentence passed in the court and with the Asbo in place on his release from custody.”

A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service said: “Calls made with malicious intent are irresponsible and dangerous as they can put lives at risk by taking us away from dealing with genuine emergencies.”

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: “Hoax calls have the potential to divert resources from genuine incidents and this could end up resulting in the loss of life.

“We want to remind everyone the 999 service is there for genuine emergencies and hoax calls waste firefighters’ time as well as being a huge drain on our resources.

“Those who make hoax calls are committing a crime and, if caught, they can face a £5,000 fine, six months in prison, or both.”

Neighbours tell of Gaudoine's behaviour

Residents living in the same street as Gaudoine have spoken of his behaviour and downfall.

Pamela Henderson said: “He’s a lovely and polite man but he’s gradually got worse and worse, it’s such a shame.

“In the last month he’s called around pretty much everyday and asked to use the phone, or if we will call an ambulance for him.

The 42-year-old said: “Although he doesn’t say what’s wrong, you can smell the alcohol on him.

“You often see him staggering along the road, trying to get people to buy him alcohol.

“His marriage broke down several years ago and he’s not been the same since.

Miss Henderson added: “He has two sons and I know that one does an awful lot for him.

“He needs help, he should be put in a care home not living in that property on his own.”

Another resident of Hawthorn Road, David Hanson-Barthalowmew, said: “I see him out and about, I’ve heard he drinks a lot.

“Sometimes he’ll call round and ask if I can buy him alcohol. I think he’s crying out for help.”