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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lanarkshire Live

Lanarkshire man admits making 999 call to report that his dog was sick

A man made a 999 call to report that his dog was sick.

It was one of nine emergency calls placed by Craig Fitzpatrick during one evening.

He also claimed to have a serious arm wound and told police he planned to walk along the motorway to visit his partner in Glasgow.

Fitzpatrick, 28, of Miller Street, Carluke, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted an offence under the Communications Act by dialling 999 for non-emergency matters.

Fitzpatrick also admitted threatening or abusive behaviour towards police officers and coughing in an officer's direction after claiming to have Covid-19.

The calls were made from an address in Larkhall on May 23, 2021.

Chloe O'Hara, prosecuting, said: "During the first call Fitzpatrick said he had accidentally taken too much insulin and required help from the police.

"He was told this was a medical matter and he must contact the ambulance service.

"In a second call he spoke of a deliberate insulin overdose.

"Later he told a call handler his dog was unwell. He also said he wanted to be with his partner in Easterhouse and planned to walk along the motorway to get there.

"In a further call Fitzpatrick said he had cut himself falling on glass and had a gaping wound on his arm with blood everywhere.

"Police officers went to his address and found him to be safe and well although he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

"He didn't have a gaping wound on his arm, but there were three small, superficial cuts that he said he had inflicted."

Fitzpatrick was arrested then released and police officers went back to his house when he made another 999 call on June 16, 2021.

He was detained again and this time made threats, telling one officer 'What car do you drive? I see you coming to work. One way or another I'm going to find you and I'm going to get you'.

Defence agent Scott Jones put Fitzpatrick's "irrational and bizarre" behaviour down to mental health issues.

The solicitor stated: "He has a longstanding difficulty with anxiety. This is combined with a difficult upbringing and substance abuse."

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre deferred sentence until next month for background reports.

The sheriff continued bail but told Fitzpatrick: "I consider the comment you made about 'finding' the police officer very serious and sinister."

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