AN Old Trafford woman who made repeated hoax calls to emergency services has been handed a criminal Asbo.

Trafford Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday how Eva Mansell, of Ayres Road, made the nuisance calls from a public telephone between August 2011 and January 2012.

The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of using a public phone to cause annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety.

Mansell was also given a 12-month community order, including an alcohol treatment requirement.

The two-year Asbo states that she must not call police, ambulance or the fire service except in the case of a genuine emergency.

Inspector Andy Sutcliffe, for Stretford Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Hopefully this sends out a clear message to the public that making false calls to the emergency services and wasting police time will be taken extremely seriously.

“It will not be tolerated and the police, authorities and courts will take firm action against those who persist in doing it. It is not only a waste of time and tax payers’ money but it could also risk the lives of those who really need our help.

“If Mansell breaks the conditions of this order, she could be fined or sent to jail for up to five years so hopefully that will act as a major deterrent to her.”

Executive councillor Jonathan Coupe added: “Trafford Council is committed to working with the police and other partners to tackle with the unacceptable problems caused by hoax callers.”