Fake Machete Call Sparks Massive Police Hunt – Labourer Jailed
Ashley Hall, 26, from Bognor Regis, has been locked up for wasting police time after making a false 999 call reporting a machete-wielding man in Burgess Hill.
Massive Armed Police Response Triggered
On 26 June at 4.07pm, Hall claimed he saw a man waving a machete out of a car window. The serious claim sparked a huge emergency response, with over 20 officers, including armed cops, rushing to the scene.
Hall gave the vehicle registration, leading police to Brighton. Roads were shut to safely detain the suspect, believed to be armed. But it soon emerged the man had no weapon and wasn’t even in Burgess Hill at the time.
Hoaxer Confesses to Spiteful Prank
During police interviews, Hall admitted the story was a lie. He revealed he made the false report after a workplace spat, wanting to scare his victim and get him into trouble.
Justice Served: Jail Sentence Handed Down
Hall pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice at Lewes Crown Court on 2 December. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison on 26 February.
“This fabricated event wasted a huge amount of police time and resources which is completely unacceptable,” said CI Roy Hodder.
“Our priority is to get through to genuine emergencies quickly and be where we’re needed most. We won’t tolerate hoax calls that put lives at risk.”
CI Hodder urged the public: “Please only dial 999 for genuine emergencies. For non-urgent matters, use 101 or report online.”
