Man, 48, threatened to ‘shoot loads of coppers’ in 999 calls
‘HE DIDN’T THINK THAT POLICE WOULD TAKE HIM SERIOUSLY’
A MAN made 999 calls in which he threatened to “shoot loads of coppers”. Andrew Kettlewell, 48, of Heneage Road, Grimsby, admitted to making the three calls on September 15.
He told Humberside Police call responders “you are going to need a f***ing ambulance.”
Across multiple calls, he went on to say: “I’m going to shoot ten of your officers.”
He later added: “I’m going to get a gun and shoot them out of here.” Kettlewell admitted making the calls when he appeared in Grimsby Magistrates’ Court on Friday, although he said he only remembers making one. Defence solicitor Gary Bulbeck said: “He has issues with alcohol and suffers mental health issues.
“His psychosis and depression has been exacerbated during lockdown as he hasn’t been able to speak to family members and has increased his alcohol intake.
“He accepts that he made the calls. However, he can only recall one of them.
“He didn’t think that police would take him seriously when making the threats, and as they only arrested and charged him yesterday (Thursday, September 24), it seems that they didn’t believe them.
“He is now seeking treatment for his alcohol problems, and has now stopped drinking. His employer is supporting him.”
He added that Kettlewell doesn’t have any form of gun or firearm, and doesn’t plan to obtain one. Kettlewell pleaded guilty to making a threat for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety.
He was released on bail until his sentencing on Wednesday, October 16, on the condition that he doesn’t call 999 or 101 except in a genuine emergency. Judge Curtis told him: “Your employer is behind you. You should grasp that support with all that you can. “These are trying times. You should get your head down and keep out of trouble.”
Tragically, on the same day as Kettlewell’s appearance in court, police officer Maitu ‘Matt’ Ratana, was shot and killed at Croydon Custody Centre. The 54-year-old was shot five times at close range by a suspect who smuggled a gun into the police station after being arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs and ammunition.
The 23-year-old suspect is in a critical condition after seemingly turning the gun on himself, and a murder investigation has been opened.