A HOAX caller who dialled 999 and claimed he had sent a parcel bomb through the post to Glasgow University has avoided jail.

Lee Steel, 38, of Irvine, told the 999 operator “Up the Ra” and “Tiocfaidh ar la” which means ‘our day will come’, during the call.

Steel also said, “’I’m turning myself in,” during the phone call on March 14, 2019.

The dad-of one pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to wasting police time by making false claims.

Sheriff Martin Jones QC ordered Steel to do 125 hours of unpaid work and tagged him for six months keeping him indoors between 7pm and 7am.

He was also put under supervision for 18 months.

The sheriff said: “This is a very serious case which passed the custodial threshold.

“In all the circumstances there will be a direct alternative to custody.”

The court heard devices were sent to Glasgow University, Waterloo Station and buildings close to Heathrow and London City Airports in March last year.

Counter terrorism police officers said the suspect package found at Glasgow University is linked with the devices discovered around London.

Bomb disposal officers detonated the item which was found in Glasgow University mailroom.

Staff and students were evacuated from buildings and no-one was injured.

The court heard Steel made the bogus call claiming to be responsible for the device to an operator based at Helen Street Police Station in Glasgow at 8.07pm.

Prosecutor Lauren McRobert said: “He stated to police ‘See that parcel bomb found at Glasgow Uni, I’m turning myself in.’

“He gave his home address before saying ‘Send it’.”

Steel also shouted Irish republican slogans before hanging up the phone. He then refused to answer further calls from the call handler.

Police went to his Irvine home the next day and arrested him.

Miss McRobert added: “He said he had been drinking and didn’t remember making the call.

“Police rang the number who made the hoax call and his mobile phone rang.”

Lawyer David McCaig, defending, said his client accepted that it was a drunk phone call which did not lead to an evacuation of the university.