Suspended Prison Sentence & Fine For Llandegla Hoax Caller

A man who wasted thousands of pounds and more than 90 hours wasted on a hoax rescue call has been sentenced to a four month prison sentenced suspended for 12 months.

On the evening of May 17th 2014, North Wales Police received a call for help from Andrew Griffiths, 44, from Corwen claiming he had sustained an ankle injury whilst out walking on the Llandegla Moors.

As a result of the call, the North East Wales Search and Rescue team (NEWSAR) were called to assist and a large multi-agency search operation emerged which extended through the night.

The search, which used more 15 Police Officer’s, six Police staff and 11 NEWSAR team members for over 91 cumulative hours, at a cost of approximately £3650 , later transpired to be a hoax.

NEWSAR first responders sent a team to Llandegla Moors, but as further information came to light concerns were raised about the validity of the call and the team stood down.

By this time 11 NEWSAR volunteers had dedicated a total of 38 person hours to the search, seven members had made their own way to the search area in their own vehicles at their own expense and three team vehicles had driven a total 132 miles at fuel cost of nearly £60.

As a voluntary organisation and registered charity these costs will be borne by NEWSAR and the individual volunteers involved.

NEWSAR team leader Chris Griffiths said; “We are a voluntary organisation. Members attend training and call –outs at their own expense giving up many hours to provide an efficient and professional service to their communities.

“I am extremely proud of my team, their commitment and willingness to turn out in any weather, at any time is outstanding.

“It is very frustrating when time and money is wasted on mindless hoax calls.”

At Prestatyn Magistrates court he was also given a Restraining Order – not to contact the Emergency Services (except in a genuine emergency)

• To pay a victim surcharge of £80
• To pay Crown Prosecution Service costs of £85
• To pay North Wales Police compensation of £400
• To pay NEWSAR compensation of £100

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said; “North Wales Police greatly appreciates the assistance that NEWSAR and other search teams provide to the Force. This was a busy weekend and our staff were dealing with many difficult situations.

“Today at court an individual was held to account for his actions. It is particularly disappointing that volunteers who are dedicated to helping others in need had their time wasted in this manner. “

Last month we FOI’ed North Wales Police to find out how many hoax calls they received, and we were quite shocked at the total – more here.