Overview

• Richard Lawton, 37, admitted persistently misusing the public communications network after a spate of false emergency reports.
• Staffordshire Police logged 72 calls between September 1 and 13 alleging murder, kidnap and armed robbery, with officers finding no incidents.
• Officers attended multiple times, issued warnings, arrested him on September 13 and seized two phones, one linked to 67 calls and another to five.
• North Staffordshire Justice Centre imposed a 12‑month community order that includes 15 days of rehabilitation, plus an £80 fine, £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.
• Mitigation detailed rough sleeping in a tent, diagnoses including depression, anxiety and PTSD, alcohol dependence and police assistance in securing accommodation.