A MALICIOUS caller branded the police c**** after claiming he had been stabbed.

Laurence Kehoe alleged he had been stabbed at the Strand Hotel, Eastbourne.

The 24-year-old had been moved there earlier in the day.

But after police attended and saw he had not been stabbed he repeatedly called the police on 999.

In one message to a 999 operator he used sexist and foul language.

Then half an hour later he branded a man a "silly little c***" and said "I will spark you all out".

Kehoe was arrested, and attempted to headbutt PC Thomas Mele.

The officer said Kehoe's calls had wasted police time and officers who could have been better used elsewhere.

At Brighton Magistrates' Court, Kehoe admitted two counts of sending an offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing communication and one count of assaulting an emergency worker.

Ed Fish, defending, told the court that Kehoe had been moved repeatedly from one emergency accommodation to another.

He said his client had been threatened to hand over cash by other residents staying in the hotel.

They threatened to stab him with a screwdriver, Mr Fish said.

He said Kehoe, of Reigate Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, has battled alcohol and drugs problems.

The incident happened in the early hours of February 26 this year.

Kehoe was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation sessions.

He must also pay £85 costs and a £95 surcharge.