Man who hounded police with 999 calls and coughed in officer's direction claiming to have COVID jailed for a year

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A man who hounded police with 999 calls, including to report that his dog was sick, has been jailed for a year.It was one of nine emergency calls placed by Craig Fitzpatrick, of Carluke, 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.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Fitzpatrick, 29, of Miller Street, was sentenced 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.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