Woman calls triple zero more than 10 times to help pay taxi fare

“Triple 0 is clearly only for emergencies”: A magistrate has reprimanded a Northern Rivers mother-of-three for repeatedly calling the emergency line and holding up vital calls.

Gabrielle Jane Ward, 41, fronted Lismore Local Court on Monday, July 19, pleading guilty to making vexatious calls to an emergency service number. Source: Istock

A Northern Rivers woman who held up the triple zero line to help pay for a taxi fare has been reprimanded for her crime.

Gabrielle Jane Ward, 41, fronted Lismore Local Court on Monday, July 19, pleading guilty to making vexatious calls to an emergency service number.

The court heard the mother of three had headed to Coffs Harbour to assist and visit her son, but when she arrived there her mobile phone was dead, leaving her with no way to contact him for a ride.

Solicitor Natasha Wood told the court Ward tried to use a taxi but the driver told her she had to pay in advance and that the woman said she was essentially “stuck there”.

It was after this that Ward decided to make repeated calls to the emergency hotline.

Magistrate Jeff Linden noted there was 10-11 calls made to the service over a short period, despite there being no emergency at the time.

“Triple 0 is clearly only for emergencies, it is a very busy service and doesn’t need this type of activity at all,” he said.

Ms Wood noted her client had current housing struggles, and was “remorseful” for her actions.

She also noted the woman struggled with depression and paranoia.

Currently, a charge of this nature can lead to a maximum penalty of 12 months jail.

Magistrate Linden convicted Ward but was be released without passing sentence on the condition she give security $500.

He also ordered Ward be placed on a good behaviour bond for two years.