A MAN who launched a "vile and abusive tirade" against two female 999 operators was ordered to pay them compensation yesterday.

Bernard Borman from Leyburn, North Yorkshire, was found guilty of making two grossly offensive telephone calls to police in November 2004.

Northallerton Magistrates' Court heard tapes of the calls during which the 62-year-old shouted at the operators.

He told them they were "stupid bitches", swore at them repeatedly and called one a "stupid cow".

Borman made the calls after receiving what he believed was a threatening telephone call at his home.

His wife dialled 999, but was cut off after the operator explained it was not an emergency and gave her a different number to ring.

Borman then made two 999 calls in which he demanded to speak to a senior officer. He was cut off on both occasions after becoming aggressive.

Alison Adams, who took the first call, said: "I have worked for the force for eight years within call handling and I can honestly say I haven't taken a call from someone who has been as abusive as that. I was quite appalled at his behaviour."

Borman apologised to Ms Adams, and the second operator, Jennifer Martin, but said he believed his life was in danger.

"We were beside ourselves," he said. "We were in a panic. That was why I went ballistic. It was not my intention to be insulting. I needed help but the whole thing took on a life of its own."

Borman had admitted the calls were offensive, but denied they were grossly offensive.

Finding him guilty, District Judge Martin Walker called his outburst a "vile and abusive tirade".

Borman was given a two-year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay Ms Adams and Ms Martin £150 each in compensation. He was also ordered to pay £150 towards court costs.