Man 'abusive and crude' in emergency service calls

Richard Bowles made almost 2,000 calls to the ambulance service in less than three years

A "persistent" nuisance caller has been sentenced for misusing the emergency services 999 phone number by displaying abusive and sexually explicit behaviour towards staff.

Richard Bowles, of Woodstock Road, Salisbury, called 999 to request to speak to the ambulance service 1,920 times between December 2022 and July 2025.

The 51-year-old pleaded guilty to seven counts of sending indecent or grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety.

At Salisbury Crown Court on Friday he was given a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) preventing him from contacting emergency and non-emergency services and acting in an inappropriate manner.

Mike Jones, crime and violence reduction manager for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: "Bowles has continued to be one of the most prolific offenders of sexually explicit and crude behaviour towards colleagues.

"Colleagues join the ambulance service to help people. They do not expect to be sworn at, abused and subject to graphic sexual harassment for the job they do.

"Many colleagues have had to endure Bowles' abuse purely for his own gratification which has ultimately taken them away from providing help to those in need."

The total cost of Bowles' offending is estimated to be about £186,000, the court was told.

If he breaches the CBO he may be given a custodial sentence.

Bowles must also complete an 18-month Community Order, undertake 20 rehabilitative days with the Probation Service, complete 120 hours unpaid work and pay a court surcharge.

PC Hannah Cranham said: "Bowles' behaviour is nothing short of unacceptable. He is a persistent offender acting for his own gratification.

"Many of the calls involved abusive and sexually explicit behaviour."