News

Man made hoax paedophile call about neighbour

By Tim Harris
February 27, 2013

A DISGRUNTLED neighbour who phoned the police to claim a paedophile was living in his road has walked free from court.

Trevor Jones, of Lynchford Road in Farnborough, telephoned police on February 2 pretending to be someone else, to tell them about the 'paedophile' who was living in his street.

Jones, 58, pleaded guilty to making a false message when he appeared at Aldershot Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (February 21).

Serena Edwards, prosecuting, told the court the defendant made the call from his own phone and said to police: “We have tried to burn him out but he is still living there.”

He also told officers: “They will kill him unless he is moved out.”

Miss Edwards described how Jones had been having "neighbour problems" and said there was history between the defendant and another resident.

When interviewed by police, Jones said he hoped the threat would be taken seriously.

He had initially denied the incident but then admitted making the call when the phone number and voice were established as his.

“In his own words, it was a cry for help,” added Miss Edwards.

The court heard how Jones had a previous conviction from 2012 and a theft matter from this year.

Chris Jones, defending, explained the defendant was currently being supervised by a probation officer, and was claiming benefits for his poor health.

District Judge Phillip Gillibrand gave Jones an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay costs of £25, in addition to a £15 victim surcharge.

Mr Gillibrand told the defendant: “This was a very foolish thing to have done.”