In court for dialling 999 (From Stroud News and Journal)

In court for dialling 999

ANGELA Harding appeared in court for the second time in one week charged with breaching an ASBO banning her from contacting the emergency services.

Stroud Magistrates' Court heard on Friday how Harding had called 999 several times in the pervious week.

The fourth call she made on April 6 resulted in paramedics coming to her address.

But according to the ambulance service there was no medical emergency. Graham Dono, prosecuting, said: "The telephone operator said Angela spoke calmly on the phone."

Harding, 25, of Severn Road, Stonehouse, suffers from panic attacks and agoraphobia and was visibly distressed in the dock.

She cried and gripped the hands of security guards, repeatedly saying she was scared and didn't want to go to jail.

Psychiatric nurse Neil Cubbage, explained that Harding - who pleaded guilty to four breaches of the ASBO - suffered severely from anxiety.

"Angela would no doubt deteriorate rapidly if she were to spend time in custody," he said.

Mr Dono told magistrates there was a real risk that Harding would commit further offences if released on bail.

He said: "The emergency services will have to take time out of their business schedules to deal with Miss Harding."

Claire Gooding, defending, said the defendant's mother, who lives in the same road, would keep an eye on her.

"Angela fully understands the implications of such a breach and would like to be given the opportunity to go home," she said.

Harding appeared before magistrates last Friday for the same offence. She had phoned the emergency services 13 times in three days but was let her off with a fine of £20 which magistrates withdrew.

Magistrates have now asked for a psychiatric report to be compiled and remanded Harding in custody.

She pleaded with the bench not to jail her as she was led away. Harding will be sentenced on April 28