Hoaxer who claimed bomb was hidden in Palace walks free

Khalid Farooq, 36, rang the palace on January 26, after finding the switchboard number on the internet, Bradford Magistrates’ Court heard.

He later admitted to police that he “forgot to use the no-caller ID code”.

Switchboard worker Margaret Power took the call, during which a male voice said there was a bomb planted at the palace.

But when Ms Power asked where, she heard Farooq sniggering before he hung up, prosecutor Paul Ramsey told the court.

Mr Ramsey added the prank “wasn’t particularly sophisticated”.

Bradford Magistrates’ Court heard how police were alerted, and traced the number to Farooq’s home address in Bradford, where he was arrested on January 28.

The court heard police had found Farooq to be a regular pest caller while tracing down his number on their system.

District Judge Susan Bouch told Mr Farooq: “I’m not sure probation services would help a great deal as there would be some conflicts which would emerge.

“I’m giving you a community order for a period of 6 months with low level activity. You will report to probation services for 15 
days.

“This is a serious offence and I know you are aware of the impact of that.

“I know you don’t wish to have this happen again.

“I understand you have underlying mental health difficulties you need to address, and therefore it would not be appropriate to impose a curfew.”

Farooq, who the court heard had previously spent time at Lynfield Mount psychiatric hospital, pleaded guilty to malicious communications.

He was handed a six-month community order and told to hand over £110 in court costs, which included a £60 victim surcharge.