Dubliner accused of persistent crank calls ordered to stop calling 999

Tom Tuite

A Dublin man accused of “persistently” making crank calls has been ordered not to buy a new mobile phone or dial 999 for an emergency.

William Green (47), of Bective Square, Dublin 7, appeared before Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

Garda Jeremy Gibbons charged him with an offence under section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951 for persistently making phone calls to cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another on August 24th without reasonable cause.

There were no objections to bail with conditions imposed by the court.

Mr Green, who is on disability allowance, was ordered to remain sober, sign on regularly at his local Garda station, not purchase a mobile phone, and “not contact 999 emergency services”.

Judge Finan warned him that the terms must be obeyed and remanded him on bail to appear again in December pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Mr Green, who has yet to indicate a plea, was granted legal aid following an application by his barrister, Kevin McCrave, who said his client was a suitable candidate. The judge noted there was no Garda objection.

The offence can carry a possible one-month jail sentence.