A HOAX caller who repeatedly summoned police and paramedics when there was no emergency has escaped a jail sentence.

Cameron Jordan claimed he had been burgled but each time the police attended his home in Forest Road, Colchester, his story changed, Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.

The 37-year-old had been convicted in his absence of making the calls after he failed to turn up at trial last month.

Sharon Moore, prosecuting, said Jordan made the calls to police on four occasions between April 11 and April 12.

She said: “He kept saying he had been burgled but each time he was interviewed, the story was different, and it became clear it was not true.

“He also called the ambulance service saying he wanted to end his life, but when they got to his home, it became clear he was not suicidal.”

The court heard Jordan had admitted a charge of failing to attend his trial and another of being drunk and disorderly in a public place in Colchester High Street on May 28, when he was already on bail for the hoax calls.

Miss Moore said members of the public had become concerned for his welfare when he appeared drunk and distressed at about 9.10pm.

James O’Toole, mitigating, said Jordan had been diagnosed with a personality disorder and needed help to address an alcohol problem.

He said: “It is quite clear he has been struggling with life for some time.

“Alcohol has been a long running problem for him.”

The court heard he had previous convictions for similar calls in October last year.

Magistrates sentenced Jordan to a 12-month community order, including supervision and alcohol treatment orders. He must also pay £50 costs. There was no separate penalty for being drunk and disorderly.