A MAN accused of a hoax call about a bomb planted in a Belfast concert venue must not abuse the 999 system, a judge ordered.
The prohibition was imposed on Patrick McNally amid allegations he made bogus claims that a device had been left at the Ulster Hall on Bedford Street.
The 45-year-old, of Jerusalem Street in the city, is charged with communicating false information causing belief of an explosion.
Belfast Magistrates' Court heard police received the warning call from a mobile phone on Monday evening.
The caller allegedly stated: "Patrick McNally's phone, there's a bomb in the Ulster Hall, you may defuse it yourself, d******d."
Officers located the defendant at his home address the following morning.
"When police telephoned the offending number the mobile phone in his trouser pocket rang," a PSNI constable said.
Opposing bail, the constable claimed there was a risk of further offences being committed.
The court heard McNally is to be served with an eviction notice from his current accommodation.
But defence counsel Joel Lyndsay said his client's brother would help him secure an emergency hostel.
He suggested McNally's alleged offending could be related to a drug-induced schizophrenia.
"His mental health has broken down because of the pandemic, he isn't getting the help he used to get," Mr Lyndsay claimed.
Bail was granted on condition that the accused will only be released to an address approved by police.
Adjourning the case for four weeks, District Judge Mark Hamill directed: "He is not to abuse the 999 system unless it's a genuine emergency."