A 56-year-old man who left an abusive voicemail, and sent an abusive telephone call and email for the head of Lincolnshire’s Fire and Rescue (LFR)Service has received a 10-week prison sentence.

It follows an announcement from LFR earlier this year stating: “A decision has been made not to include images of Fireman Sam on posters or advertising going forward, as it does not reflect the inclusive nature of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

“Please can you ensure when you are designing posters that Fireman Sam is not used and more inclusive images are utilised.”

Jeremy Flashman sent messages to Fire Chief Les Britzman on 11 September this year.

This was after the 56-year-old telecomms engineer’s appearance on Good Morning Britain when he was interviewed by Piers Morgan.

The voicemail was highly offensive, featuring a number of swear words and derogatory comments against Mr Britzman.

Flashman, of Kings Road, Southminster, Essex, pleaded guilty today (27 September) at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court to three charges of sending a communication/article of an indecent/offensive nature.

Detective Sergeant Adam Petty said: “The nature of abuse in these communications – sent to the head of a county’s emergency service – was shocking.

“The sentence that Flashman has received for this offence sends out a clear message that we will take action against those who commit these offences, and that abuse of those in the emergency services simply will not be tolerated.”

Debbie Barnes, head of paid service at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Threatening and abusive behaviour to our staff is simply not acceptable.

“This case involved communication of an extremely abusive and offensive nature. We will always challenge such behaviour, including taking police action, where necessary.”

Below is the voicemail left on Mr Britzman’s phone by Jeremy Flashman, a recording of which was played at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court. Please be aware about the offensive nature of the content.