Francis Reid dialled 999 from a telephone kiosk in Dunabban Road last October over the missing card, Inverness Sheriff Court was told this week.

Depute Fiscal Simon Crabb told Sheriff Ian Abercrombie that staff at a control centre for the Scottish Ambulance Service in Inverness took the call from 61-year-old Reid, of Dunabban Road, and they recognised his voice.

"He was asked why he required an ambulance and he said he did not," said the fiscal. "But he said he required assistance to find his bank card as he required money. He was warned not to call unless he required medical help."

The fiscal said 90 minutes later another call was received.

"This time Reid stated he was depressed and he was going to jump in the river."

Paramedics went to the scene as Reid continued a rambling conversation with staff at the control centre.

But when they arrived, he told them he did not require an ambulance.

Defence solicitor Craig Wood said Reid was married and on incapacity benefit and until he was 55 had a good work ethic.

"He considers at 61 he is old, confused and depressed. He was drunk and on painkillers at the time of the offence."

Mr Wood said Reid had run out of money for food.

"I understand he was threatening to jump off a bridge.

"He's not thinking straight. Something has gone wrong with his coping mechanisms."

Reid pleaded guilty to making the calls on October 31 from the kiosk in Dunabban Road for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to employees of the Scottish Ambulance Service when there was not an emergency and that he caused an ambulance to attend unnecessarily.

Sheriff Abercrombie ordered a report from the community mental health team and deferred sentence for good behaviour until April 6.

He told Reid: "The ambulance staff have more to do with their time than running after you because you are feeling depressed. These people have enough to worry about without being pestered by you."

A bail condition was imposed banning him from purchasing alcohol.