A 44-year-old woman from Gistel in Flanders appeared before the Bruges Correctional Court for electronic nuisance after making 124 unnecessary calls to the police in 2024.
Prosecutor Mike Vanneste described the woman, C.B., as a "thorn in the side" of the Kouter police zone.
According to the prosecution, C.B. harassed the police, sometimes multiple times a day, with useless calls mainly regarding family and relationship issues.
Despite numerous warnings, C.B. continued to bother emergency services into early 2025. On 20 February 2025, she was eventually arrested and questioned and was found to be heavily under the influence of alcohol again.
Reports indicate that the woman has since reformed. Outside these incidents, she has no criminal record.
The prosecution requested a suspended sentence with conditions, emphasising that the goal was not to imprison her but to end the "telephone terror."
The presiding judge echoed these sentiments, stressing the potential danger of emergency services being delayed due to her calls.
The defence agreed with the prosecution’s demands, highlighting that C.B. was going through a tough period following her son’s suicide attempt.
C.B. and her partner are now reportedly taking Antabuse to address their alcohol issues. The judge indicated that he would likely impose a drink ban on C.B. The defence also requested that the couple’s mobile phones not be confiscated.
The court’s decision will be announced on 8 May.
