A man admitted communicating false information after drunkenly calling 999 making a bomb hoax, St Albans Magistrates Court heard.

Michael Surridge, 59, of Highfield Lane, Tyttenhanger, St Albans, called up emergency services after drinking beer with his medication on January 10.

He claimed that he was going to blow up his and his neighbour’s homes.

After a conversation with Mr Surridge, the police call handler became concerned and sent the police and fire brigade to his address, who later closed the road.

She kept Mr Surridge on the phone for as long as possible and he became increasingly abusive.

He complained about companies including British Gas before saying “f*** you” and hanging up the phone.

The police and fire brigade arrived at the address and entered the property to find empty gas canisters and a lighter (later found to be used for cigarettes).

It was then established that there was no intent to ‘blow up’ Mr Surridge’s or his neighbour’s home.

The gas canisters were empty and used by Mr Surridge in an attempt to heat his home without the aid of British Gas, with whom he has an ongoing feud.

Mr Surridge was given a suspended sentence and fined £165. He said: “You’ll never see me back here again, never. You’ll never see me here again. It’s hurt me so much and I feel so ashamed.”