Bomb threat hoaxer told police 14 bombs were planted at Blackpool North station
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Ian Greening, 54, of High Street, Blackpool admitted making the hoax call on September 22 last year.
Police were called to the station and searched the premises with rail staff who also examined CCTV.
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Hide AdNone of the 14 bombs which Greening claimed to have planted on the tracks were found, but the station was briefly evacuated whilst police investigated.
Greening explained the bizarre motive behind the stunt when he appeared before District Judge Andrew Teate at Blackpool Magistrates Court today (Friday, February 3).
He told the judge that the bomb scare was an attempt to get rid of a friend who he no longer wanted staying at his home.
Greening said he was given a mobile phone by the friend and, growing sick of his company, decided he would use the phone to make the hoax call.
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Hide AdHe had hoped the call would be traced back to his mate who would then find himself in trouble with the police.
The judge told him: “This was a stupid act which caused considerable worry and cost with areas being cordoned off.”
Greening was given a one year community punishment with twenty rehabilitation days and must pay £299 in compensation and costs.