A MAN has admitted making hoax 999 calls to the emergency services during the fire strike and to causing animal cruelty.

John Robert Byron, aged 19, of Lenham Gardens in Breightmet, pleaded guilty to making a series of hoax calls to the police, fire and ambulance services between April and November last year, including at times when the firefighters were on national strike.

At Bolton Magistrates Court, he was also accused of strangling his pet cat, called Tom, in October at his former home address of Garstang Avenue, Breightmet. The cat's body has never been found.

The court heard that Byron suffers from learning difficulties.

His case was adjourned until Thursday, March 13, for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, and he was granted unconditional bail.