An idiotic bomb hoaxer who sparked terror at a social services office in St Helens cried throughout court and said he did it to "wind up" staff.
Jay Hughes, an 18-year-old dad-of-one, rang the council's children's and young people's services in August to say he had concealed a bomb in a toilet.
Although it was suspected it could be a hoax, bosses took no chances and evacuated all staff from the building, while police and emergency services swooped on the scene.
Today the teenager, who pleaded guilty to the offence , walked free from Liverpool Crown Court , with an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years.
He admitted a single charge of making a bomb hoax by communicating false information.
Chris Taylor, prosecuting, said Hughes had formerly been a long-term "client" of children's services, but had become frustrated and claimed he was being harassed by them.
On the day he made the false communication, Hughes, of Ingrave Road, Walton , had originally phoned up to complain and been told someone would get back to him in 15 minutes.
When this didn't happen, he called back to say there was a bomb hidden in one of the bathrooms, which led to the building being evacuated.
The mobile phone number used by Hughes was traced and he was arrested the next day.
Hughes later claimed he did not think this would be the consequence of his actions.
Mr Taylor said: "He said he just wanted to wind the staff up as he'd felt they'd wound him up too."
James Smith, defending, said Hughes was being supported in court by his mum, his partner, one of his foster parents, and his partner's dad.
Mr Smith said: "This was a thoughtless, stupid and very immature mistake, which led to the deployment of police resources and affected employees.
"However the disruption was minimal."
Mr Smith told the court Hughes, who is the dad of a seven week-old son, had been left "extremely frightened and concerned" by the criminal proceedings brought against him.
Judge Anil Murray told Hughes, who snivelled throughout the proceedings: "This was reckless and stupid behaviour.
"Bomb threats are taken incredibly seriously. They cause more than inconvenience, there is always a risk that panic will ensue.
"Though that was not your intention, it was immature and ill-thought out.
"However, another family would be damaged if I was to send you to prison."
As well as the suspended sentence, Hughes was ordered to carry out 150 hours' unpaid work.
