Nuisance Caller Racks Up £500k Emergency Service Bill, Jailed for Two Years
A troublemaker who cost emergency services a staggering £500,000 in wasted resources has been sentenced to two years behind bars.
700+ Malicious Calls and Assault on Police Officer
Sharna Dixon, 27, from Richmond Road, Sheerness, made over 700 malicious calls. Her reckless behaviour even led to a police officer breaking his wrist during a pointless callout.
On 27 September 2019, Dixon dialled Kent Police to report a false emergency at a canal near Halfway Road, Minster on Sea. When officers arrived, she pushed one into the water, causing a broken wrist and grazes.
Wasting NHS and Coastguard Resources
- Dixon made 473 calls to South East Coast Ambulance Service, costing the NHS nearly £94,000.
- She rang Kent Police 162 times and the Kent Coastguard 67 times.
- Wasted Coastguard resources alone are estimated at £350,000.
This reckless behaviour dragged on between November 2017 and February 2020, despite repeated offers of help and advice which Dixon flatly refused.
Previous Offences and Strong Warning from Police
Dixon also received six months jail for breaching a suspended sentence linked to a 2019 knife possession charge.
“This behaviour is not acceptable and diverts crews and officers away from genuine people who may critically require help,” said Detective Constable Jacqueline Mennie. “Kent Police and local agencies tried to help Dixon many times, but she refused to engage. I hope Dixon’s sentence sends a strong message.”
