Blackpool North bomb hoaxer back in court after threatening to set fire to flats

Ian Greening, 54, appeared before Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (April 11) where he was accused of threatening to torch cardboard boxes at the flats in High Street.

He said he lost his temper after accusing the owner of the town centre flats of failing to carry out repairs to the property.

The landlord said his tenant owed him rent and the row escalated, culminating in Greening’s threat to set fire to the property.

At court, magistrates heard Greening has a previous conviction for making threats to place bombs at Blackpool North station in September 2022.

He appeared before the court in February this year where he admitted making hoax calls to police, warning them he had planted boxes of explosives under the trains.

You can read about Greening’s bomb hoax case in our report here.

Despite this recent conviction – which led to a one year community punishment – the 54-year-old was spared a prison sentence.

Instead, he was handed a further one year community punishment with 15 rehabilitation days. He must also pay compensation and costs of £220.

Sue Mugford, defending, said Greening suffered from medical problems and had used up money staying in hotels. She said he was currently seeking alternative accommodation.