Man made barrage of calls to social workers Sub-Head:
	
Press & Journal	01/03/2000	

A NEWTONHILL man blocked telephone calls into the social work office in
Portlethen because he was worried people were trying to section him, a
court heard yesterday.

Social workers were left annoyed and concerned after receiving regular
phone calls from Ian Gomeche, including calls from two lines at the same
time, Stonehaven Sheriff Court was told.

Gomeche was warned that if he committed another offence he could find
himself in jail for his behaviour.

Gomeche, 48, of 1 Dunlin Court, admitted persistently making annoying
telephone calls to the social work office between October 27 and
November 1 last year, and breaking the peace at the office on November
5.

Procurator fiscal Ernest Barbour told the court that Gomeche had been a
client of the social work department, and had been suffering from manic
depression.

Effect

On October 27, a telephone call from Gomeche was answered by one of the
office staff.

While he was talking to her, he asked her to hold on, which she agreed
to do.

A few seconds later another phone in the office rang, which was answered
by another member of staff. That caller was also Gomeche, who was
calling on another line and was using both of the lines into the office.

Mr Barbour said the social workers told Gomeche he was stopping other
calls coming into the building. "The accused stated that was exactly the
effect that he desired."

The next day, staff at the office logged 11 calls over a 21/4-hour
period during the afternoon, all made by Gomeche, and recorded the time
and content of each call in a log book.

On November 1, staff at the office received a call from Gomeche, in
which he said he planned to apply for a position in the social work
department, telling them that although he had no experience he was lying
and scheming like all social workers, the court heard.

Other calls were abusive and contained a variety of swearwords directed
at the staff.

On November 5, he called again to speak to Neil Barnett, one of the
social work staff, and was told he was unavailable. Gomeche called
threemore times within just over an hour, but each time was told Mr
Barnett was not available.

He then appeared at the office to speak to Mr Barnett. When Mr Barnett
appeared, Gomeche launched into a volley of abuse, before being asked to
leave the premises as he was no longer a social work client. Gomeche
continued his tirade outside, and the police were notified.

Defence agent Tom Cruickshank said Gomeche was being prescribed lithium
carbonate for symptoms which appeared to be like manic depression,
although it had not actually been diagnosed.

He had gained access to the social work files about himself and
disagreed with statements therein, a matter he was now pursuing through
the proper channels.

He now accepted his behaviour was inappropriate, and was prepared to be
of good behaviour if given the chance.

Sheriff Alexander Jessop deferred sentence until June 27.