Bad call
Brand rapped for phone hoax
Russell Brand has been told off for wasting police time after making a hoax call during his live stage show.The wind-up came during a part of his act when he reads through local newspapers on stage.
When in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday he found a story of a £1,500 reward being offered for a £50,000 statue stolen from a park.
A number was given for witnesses to call, so he rang Kent police to claim he could help trace the statue, known as the Dancing Lady.
When the policeman asked why he could hear so many people laughing in the background, Russell bluffed: ‘I’ve got the telly on,’ before putting the phone down.
He then urged the Assembly Halls crowd: ‘If we all keep quiet about it, we’ll probably get away with it.’
But according to The Sun, Kent Police have had a word with Brand’s people about the incident.
‘In this case the call did not give cause for concern but people who make hoax or prank calls can be fined £80,’ said a spokesman. ‘The officer who took the call quickly worked out from what was being said that it was someone joking.’
Published: 7 Dec 2006
