A former delivery driver who told a receptionist at a mental health unit he had hidden a bomb in Maidstone town centre has avoided a prison sentence.

Colin Ring, of Gravel Pit Lane in Marden, drank a half litre bottle of vodka before calling staff at Priority House in Hermitage Lane to tell them there would be a “big bang” that evening.

A quick-thinking staff member recognised the 49-year-old’s voice and alerted police on December 17.

Ring, a father-of-two, pleaded guilty to communicating false information in the form of a bomb hoax during a hearing at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.

Sarah Worsley, prosecuting, said: “A series of phone calls were made to Priority House. The receptionist received a phone call which said ‘there is going to be a big bang in Maidstone tonight’.

“He told the crisis team ‘I’ve planted a bomb in town’ and ‘I’ve hidden the device in Maidstone’.”

Police downloaded the data from Ring’s phone following his arrest and found he was responsible for a number of text messages to the mental health unit, during which the word “boom” was used.

Keith Middleton, defending, said Ring struggled with alcohol and had been made redundant in 2016.

He said: “Mr Ring made admissions at the police station. He says he is prone to vodka. He stopped drinking completely in June last year and relapsed on the day of this offence.

“He recalls telephoning the crisis team at Priority House but has no recollection of leaving the messages.”

Ring was handed a 12-month community order and must carry out 60 hours of unpaid work.

He was also given a six-month alcohol treatment requirement and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.