Man jailed for making hoax bomb threats across Fylde coast including Blackpool Tower

On one occasion, Blackpool Magistrates’ Court was evacuated and searched following a false claim made by Aidan Robertson, of Dickson Road, Blackpool.

The 36-year-old was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to the bomb hoax, as well as having a knife in public and assaulting a police officer.

In March, Lancashire Police received a text message suggesting there was a bomb at Blackpool Tower. A few days later West Yorkshire Police received a threat to bomb Blackpool North Station. A text also claimed there was a bomb in Blackpool town centre.

There were also threats to bomb gardens, which police believed referred to the Winter Gardens; to blow up a nail bomb in the town centre; and of a bomb at Blackpool North Station, in which the caller said they had a knife they would harm people with.

When officers went to speak to Robertson, he kicked out at officers and dropped five knives in the struggle.

Ch Insp Marie Haworth, of Lancashire Police, said: “The 999 system exists in case of emergency. It is intended to be used only when there is a crime in progress or where life is at risk.

“Robertson contacted police on numerous occasions, making false claims, wasting police time and taking officers away from genuine emergencies. This behaviour was inexplicable and completely unacceptable.

“Our call handlers take 999 calls for people in genuine need of emergency help. Robertson’s hoax threats may have delayed or prevented people with genuine concerns attempting to get through.

“Such irresponsible behaviour wasted valuable time and at the very worst, could have cost lives.

“We welcome this sentence and hope it serves as a warning to others who make hoax threats.”