AN ESSEX MAN who used a fake Irish accent has pleaded guilty to making a hoax bomb threat to police, having previously been jailed for a similar offence where he also claimed to be a member of the IRA.
Lee Wells, 42, of Heron Way, Heybridge, appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, February 1 over a single offence, where he claimed that the town’s Meadows Shopping Centre was about to be blown up.
The Essex Chronicle reports that the bomb threat occurred on April 2, 2015.
It is believed that Wells entered Chelmsford Police Station and made the bomb claim.
Wells’ defence lawyer told the court that he has a problem with alcohol, which sometimes leads to hallucinations.
Wells, who is currently living at home with his parents, was previously jailed for threatening to blow up Chelmsford Cathedral.
In 2013, Wells was given a six-month prison sentence after he called police, claiming to be a member of the IRA, and threatened to blow up the city's cathedral. He also threatened to kill the officer he spoke to.
The court heard from the prosecution team that in this incident three years ago, Wells used an Irish accent to disguise his identity.
At the time, 20 officers, including members of the counter-terrorism unit, arrested him at the cathedral.
In October 2013, Recorder Pat Lynch QC, said: "The panic that these calls can cause - the upset - that can really terrify people.
"I accept you have problems with alcohol, but the gentleman on the phone was undoubtedly distressed and they [the threats] must been unpleasant."
Wells was released on bail at Monday’s hearing.
He will next appear in court in the week commencing February 22, when he will be sentenced and could face imprisonment.
