A WOMAN who bombarded health centre staff with abusive phone calls has been made the subject of a restraining order.

Deborah Thomasson, aged 47, of Parkfield Avenue, Farnworth, called Landmark House in Chorley New Road, Bolton, 40 times in one day in November last year.

She also repeatedly called staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital every 20 minutes on a different day.

In all of the phone calls she was "abusive and threatening," Bolton Magistrates' Court heard.

She admitted making the phone calls when she appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court yesterday.

Unemployed Thomasson was convicted of similar offences in January last year and was given a restraining order and conditional discharge.

Prosecuting Howard Sloane said: "The phone calls have left staff at the end of their tether.

"One member of staff says she feels scared answering the telephone, even when she goes home.

"The incidents are constantly playing on her mind and she doesn't want to come into work.

"People had genuine fears for their safety when they were on the phone to the defendant and in her presence."

Magistrates sentenced Thomasson, who cares for her elderly mother, to a two-year conditional discharge, made her the subject of a restraining order which bans her from contacting staff at Landmark House or the Royal Bolton Hospital, unless is a medical emergency and ordered she pay £350 costs.

Chairman of the bench, Ian Hilton told her: "I must warn you that if you breach the conditional discharge or do something against the restraining order then you will be back in court and that could lead to custody, and that would not be good for you or those you care for."