A man from Gateshead has appeared in court accused of breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order by repeatedly dialling 999 and making false claims of an emergency. Michael Banks was made subject of the order in September 2025, and it will remain in place for his lifetime.
Conditions of the Order
The order has one condition that Banks must abide by: he must not call 999 or 101 unless there is a genuine emergency where there is a threat to life, serious risk of harm, or an ongoing crime. The 37-year-old now faces allegations of breaching that order by dialling 999 eight times on June 7 when there was absolutely no need.
Court Appearance
Banks, of Ullswater Crescent in Winlaton, Gateshead, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address during a hearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court. He entered a not guilty plea to breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
Chike Anieto, prosecuting, said Banks allegedly called 999 eight times when no emergency was taking place. Mr Anieto added: "It's the Crown's position that you can have jurisdiction in this matter. My invitation would be for you to accept it and list the case for trial in these courts."
Magistrates agreed that the case could be tried before them, but Banks elected for his case to go to the crown court. Banks was released on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on July 8.
