A teenager caused terrified staff to be evacuated from an office building after falsely claiming there was a bomb on the premises.
Jay Hughes, of Ingrave Road, Walton , pleaded guilty at Liverpool magistrates' court to a single charge of making a bomb hoax by communicating false information.
The court heard the 18-year-old contacted staff at Atlas House in St Helens on the afternoon of August 22 to say there was a bomb on the second floor.
Police were called and all staff were evacuated from the Corporation Street building, used by St Helens' council children's and young people services.
Linda Melia, prosecuting, said: "He stated that there was a bomb and that if anyone went upstairs he would activate it."
However a search showed there was no bomb and there had been no breach of security.
James Smith, defending, said Hughes "didn't foresee the consequences of his stupid actions."
He added that Hughes had "problems with social care after being moved from place to place."
Magistrates declined to sentence Hughes and the case was sent to Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing on October 8.
He was given unconditional bail until then.
Hughes, who was accompanied by several family members in court, was warned he faced a custodial sentence.
