AN 83-YEAR-OLD man appeared in custody before a court, wearing his pyjamas, after allegedly making almost 900 calls to the ambulance service via 999.

Raymond Owen, of Caernarfon Road, Bangor, never in trouble before, was fined £350 with £115 costs after he admitted failing to comply with a community protection notice and misusing the phone.

Defence solicitor Graham Parry told a district judge at Llandudno court that the pensioner had ill health and the sad situation was exacerbated by him not knowing where his wife of 60 years had been “moved.” He didn’t want an ambulance on occasions. Mr Parry said :”In a state of anxiety he just wants to speak to somebody.”

Mr Parry said the court appearance hadn’t been a pleasant lesson. The pensioner was still in his pyjamas and had left his hearing aid at home.

District judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant :”It’s extremely important you don’t misuse the 999 or 101 system otherwise you will be back before the court.”

The prosecution said he had breached the warning notice 166 times since it was issued on September 20. The behaviour had been ongoing for eleven months and paramedics had attended him unnecessarily.