A PEMBROKESHIRE pensioner has been jailed once again after making numerous nuisance 999 calls while drunk.

Ann Gateley, 71, of Little Chapel Hill, Templeton, appeared from custody at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, January 9.

She pleaded guilty to using the emergency telephone line to cause needless annoyance or anxiety to others.

The court heard that Gateley made 14 calls while drunk between 1pm and 6.30pm on January 7.

She phoned 999 and stated that she needed police assistance.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, told the court: “She told officers she did not know who she was or where she was.

“She was crying and confused.”

Police arrived at Gateley’s home during their initial visit to find it secured, and there was no answer when they knocked at the door.

Officers then saw her lying on the bed through the window and asked if she was alright.

The court was told Gateley smiled, gave the officers the thumbs up as she walked towards them, then closed the curtains.

She continued to call, and was described as sobbing and talking rubbish, asking for help and then not wanting any.

Miss Morgan added: “She was quite simply drunk on the bed.”

Gateley smelled strongly of alcohol when arrested and lashed out and struggled with police who came to her property.

She stated she could not remember making the calls when interviewed, but evidence was found on her phone.

Mark Layton, defending, told the court that Gateley, a widow, had already been sent to prison on numerous occasions for the same offence.

He said: “Ultimately the person that needs to help Mrs Gateley is herself, and she seems to be struggling to do that.

“She says she is committed to addressing her drink problem, but it has plagued her for many years.”

Mr Layton added that Gateley was lonely, isolated and vulnerable, and was easily manipulated by others.

Magistrates sentenced Gateley to four months in prison, and ordered her to pay £200 in costs and charges.

The chairman of the bench told Gateley: “When you dial 999 you take up time with the people in the call centre who could be on proper emergency calls.

“It’s wrong and you know it.”