A MAN who phoned police falsely reporting his partner had been kidnapped cost the public more than £20,000.

Paul Moyse, 59, of Lower Common Lane, Three Legged Cross, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice by making false statements.

His allegations of kidnapping led to the arrest and interview of an innocent person and cost £23,000 in public funds.

He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing on Monday, December 20.

Prosecuting, Samantha Ball told the court on August 24, 2020, Moyse made two phone calls to 999 alleging his partner had been kidnapped and being held on a travellers’ site.

He alleged a woman had abducted his partner which led to an investigation. The woman was found in Bromley and arrested by police.

Ms Ball said: “The investigation cost the public £23,664.83. This could have been used to investigate genuine reports of crime.

“Kidnapping is a very serious allegation with an immediate investigation. It led to the arrest and interview of an innocent person.”

Moyse had 171 previous convictions, including theft and dishonesty offences.

Mitigating, Richard Martin said Moyse was “obsessed” with his partner. He said he had a terrible childhood and suffered from alcoholism as a result.

“This court has to deal with somebody who behaved with extreme stupidity”, he added.

He called for an alternative to a sentence of immediate custody.

Judge Robert Pawson sentenced Moyse to 13 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He said: “You caused another to be arrested, that cost £23,000 of public money.

“Your sorrow has been expressed, the trouble is you caused an innocent party to be arrested and you have an appalling record.

“If you reoffend you are going to prison. I am not saying that as a threat, you have got to keep it in the forefront of your mind.”

Moyse was also made subject to 20 rehabilitation requirement days and ordered to complete the six month alcohol treatment plan.

 

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