AN ALCOHOLIC who rang 999 26 times in six months has been made the subject of an Anti-social Behaviour Order.

Joseph James Hope, from Sycamore Gardens, Crook, accepted that he had made the calls but told Bishop Auckland Magistrates he could not remember doing so because he was drunk at the time.

Stephen Mooney, prosecuting, told the court that 35 incidents of Hope's anti-social behaviour had been recorded over a six month period.

These included refusing to leave a hospital while he was drunk and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

Mr Mooney said that Hope had dialled 999 ten times in April this year without needing assistance.

In July, he rang again claiming he was going to jump off the Newton Cap viaduct, in Bishop Auckland.

Mr Mooney said: "When officers attended he said he had no intention of jumping and just wanted a lift home because he was drunk.''

He said: "This is potentially life-threatening to anyone who needs the emergency services.''

Alan Green, for Hope, said that the 42-year-old was a registered alcoholic and had recently been through a divorce.

He said Hope had accepted his behaviour had got worse in recent months.

Hope had made an appointment for counselling with a view to going on a detoxification programme.

Hope will now be bound by the order for three years and if he breaks any of the conditions he could face a prison sentence.

Among the conditions magistrates laid down are he should not make 999 calls unless he is in need of urgent assistance and he should not be drunk and disorderly in a public place