Jo McBride in court for hoax threats

A former fire officer made three hoax calls to the national emergency number - the first was a threat to blow up a Queensland police station. Find out why:

A former fire officer and Fraser Coast mother has narrowly escaped jail after making three hoax calls to 000, during which she threatened to blow up the Maryborough police station and shoot a police officer.

Jo McBride, 60, pleaded guilty in the Hervey Bay District Court on Wednesday to using a carriage service for a hoax threat and two counts of improperly using an emergency call service.

The court heard that on September 21, 2021, McBride called 000 three times.

During the first call, she made a threat to blow up the Maryborough Police Station. She then called back and threatened to kill a police officer, who she named, then she called again and threatened to shoot a police officer, the court was told.

McBride made multiple calls to try to get the attention of police and when there was no immediate response to her first call, she called again 17 minutes later, then again 22 minutes later.

Jo McBride faced Hervey Bay District Court this week.

Her actions wasted the time of emergency call operators and police, the court was told.

It heard the calls were made to draw attention to grievances McBride had with a police officer, not because she had the intention of carrying out her threats.

McBride had a troubled past, which had caused her to have mental health issues.

She had one son, with whom she had a close relationship.

Judge Tony Moynihan said McBride’s conduct had caused distress, anxiety and disruption.

“It can also lead to great financial cost,” he said.

McBride had worked for more than 30 years as a fire officer, but she was not currently employed, Mr Moynihan said.

McBride was given a head sentence of 12 months in prison, but was released immediately after entering into a recognisance of $1000 with the promise she be of good behaviour for two years.

Originally published as Jo McBride in court for hoax threats