Drunken Dad’s 999 Panic Over Fake Gun Sparks Armed Police Siege at Holiday Camp
Jacob Woodford sparked a full-blown police drama at a Selsey holiday camp after a late-night 999 call about a supposed sawn-off shotgun and a hostage.
False Hostage Claim Triggers Armed Police Response
On September 8 last year, Woodford, 29, dialled 999 claiming he had a shotgun and was ready to harm himself. During the call, he also falsely claimed there was a hostage tied up inside his caravan.
Armed officers and negotiators rushed to the scene. After a tense hour-long standoff, Woodford surrendered and was arrested for making death threats.
Drunken ‘Mistake’ Lands Woodford Behind Bars
Woodford, from Benhams Road, Southampton, confessed to sending threatening messages under the Malicious Communications Act. He admitted the charge in court.
At Portsmouth Crown Court on July 8, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison. The offence came just weeks after Woodford received a suspended sentence for assaulting a police officer.
Vodka-Fuelled Rant Put Lives at Risk
Police revealed that Woodford had been drinking vodka and mixers before making the call, demanding the release of a friend taken into custody. That person was later released without charge.
During the call, Woodford threatened police officers with the alleged firearm and claimed a hostage was tied up and unable to speak.
“I’ve got someone here, he can’t speak right now, he’s tied up,” Woodford said.
But police found no weapons or hostages inside the caravan. Woodford later apologised, calling it a “drunken mistake.”
Police Warn of Risks and Praise Handling of Incident
Detective Sergeant Chris May of Chichester CID said: “Woodford’s drunken 999 call caused great concern. Our handlers acted professionally to keep him calm, but he escalated the situation by threatening himself and others.”
He added: “His call put himself, officers, and the public in jeopardy. It also pulled specialist officers away from potentially critical incidents elsewhere.”
“We are pleased with the outcome. It shows our commitment to prosecuting anyone who endangers public safety.”
