Dagenham man admits threats to 999 call handlers at Barkingside court

A 22-year-old man from Dagenham has admitted making a series of violent threats to Metropolitan Police 999 call handlers. Omar Sharif, of Angle Green, pleaded guilty to five offences at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on 12 August. The court remanded him on conditional bail until his sentencing on 23 September.

The offences relate to calls Sharif made to the Metropolitan Command and Control team in July. On 12 July, he threatened to rape a female call handler. The following day, he made further threats to another female operator. On 14 July, he told a call handler he intended to "cut your head off with a knife," as reported by This Is Local London.

Sharif also admitted making a grossly offensive or menacing call between 26 July and 6 August. The original charge of sending a communication threatening death or serious harm was withdrawn in favour of another offence, though the court did not specify which.

Bail conditions and next steps

Barkingside Magistrates' Court imposed bail conditions that prohibit Sharif from contacting emergency services unless he has a genuine emergency. A pre-sentence report will be prepared ahead of his sentencing hearing on 23 September. The court has not yet indicated whether the case will be referred to Crown Court for sentencing.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the guilty pleas but did not comment on the impact of the threats on call handlers. This Is Local London reported that the calls caused distress to the operators involved, though no further details were provided.