Clydebank crime: Man abused 999 emergency call system

Clydebank man Thomas Robertson repeatedly called the emergency services on December 28 last year under an alias, who lived in a different part of his former street address on Brown Avenue.

A couple of weeks later, on January 7, whilst at his home address, he called the services when he appeared on an undertaking a few days later to ban him for misusing the service unless it was for an emergency.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard on June 21 that despite being granted bail from the court on January 10 not to misuse the 999 system, Robertson broke the order the next day on Barnes Street.

The 52-year then broke his court order again and called the emergency services on February 12 at a property in Overtoun Court.

During that incident from the property to the Queen Elizabeth hospital he was repeatedly shouting, swearing and utter threats of violence towards police constables.

However, a week later on February 17, which will now be the fifth occasion, Robertson called 999 on Pattison Street where it was not an emergency, and then the sixth and final time on March 22, from Barnes Street.

Meanwhile, on March 25 at his home address on Dean Street, he repeatedly shouted and swore at members of the public and challenge them to a fight whilst holding a plastic sword.

On the same day on nearby Dunsmore Street, he continued his aggressive behaviour towards police officers whilst holding a pair of nail clippers.

Sheriff William Gallacher said: “The report suggests that something is in place. Something is happening appropriately. There are still concerns that need to be managed. 

“My inclination in this case is to continue the matter because without hearing the facts I am unable to deal with this matter today.”

Robertson’s defence solicitor Judith Reid said: “If it is any consolation he hasn’t misused the system since his last offence.”

Sentencing has been deferred until August.