A SERIAL 999 phone pest who's made at least FORTY time-wasting 'emergency' calls has been spared prison.

Dennis Mitchell told police he was armed with knives and wanted to murder someone during his latest barrage.

The 46-year-old was jailed last year over more than a dozen drunken hoax calls to the ambulance service.

He later avoided jail for a further 23 spurious emergencies — including a claim he'd 'killed a young boy'.

A sheriff at the time gave him a chance to prove he'd 'learned a lesson'.

But Mitchell has been back to court to admit to a further five nuisance calls to police.

Prosecutor Emma Jeffrey said: "The accused said he was going to 'do' someone.

"He stated that he was in possession of knives and that he wanted to murder someone."

Mitchell, of Moidart Road, was spared custody after lawyer Gerry Keenan argued that he 'needs help'.

Mr Keenan said: "The crime is indicative of a man with significant drink and mental health problems.

"He describes himself as being steaming at the time.

"He's never had the advantage of court scrutiny regarding his alcohol intake.

"It is in the public interest that this man's problems are dealt with."

Mitchell committed his latest offences during a three-hour period on July 4.

He maintained a plea of not guilty right up until his trial date when he finally admitted what he'd done.

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre remarked that police were put under 'unnecessary stress' because of Mitchell's claim of being armed and his threats of violence.

The lawman told him: "Please don't underestimate how seriously I view this matter.

"The police can well do without people like you."

As a direct alternative to prison, Mitchell has been ordered to attend addiction services, carry out 135 hours of unpaid work and placed under supervision for 18 months.

A review hearing is to take place before Christmas.