A MAN dubbed a persistent drunken nuisance to the emergency services was jailed for more than a year yesterday.

John Newman, 35, has 218 previous convictions, many for disorder in Durham city centre and for calling out ambulances while drunk.

Newman was served with a four-year order by Durham magistrates in June which made him liable to be arrested for breaching any of nine conditions, including appearing drunk in the vicinity of the city centre, roaming on hospital premises when asked to leave by staff, and making 999 calls unless in need of urgent medical attention.

Having breached those orders and served three prison sentences since June, Newman, formerly of Braunespath Estate, New Brancepeth, appeared before Durham Crown Court yesterday following his arrest on December 14.

Peter Kilgour, prosecuting, said Newman was ejected from Dryburn Hospital, Durham City, for shouting and swearing while drunk in the accident and emergency department.

Later that evening, he rang 999 for an ambulance. He told police a voice in his head told him to call for an ambulance.

Recorder Simon Bourne-Arton jailed Newman for a year, and added a further 84 days for part of a previous sentence.