999 caller’s gun terror threat

A HOAX caller told a 999 operator he had a gun and threatened to kill someone — so he could get a lift home from police.

Craig Graham (33) of Kingston Drive, Royton, made the call from a phone box in the early hours, telling the operator he had a shotgun.

Tactical units including two firearms teams dashed to Cheltenham Street, Derker only to discover Graham smelled of alcohol and was unarmed.

Sean Brady, prosecuting, said: “This was the bank holiday weekend when police resources we already stretched. Officers and tactical units had to attend from across Great Manchester.”

Toni McCann, defending, said Graham was upset after having his mobile phone stolen the day before.

She said: “He accepts that this was a very stupid thing to have done.”

Graham was sentenced to a nine-month community supervision order and will attend 12 sessions to address his drinking problems. He will also pay costs of £145.