November 28, 2019 10.48 am This story is over 60 months old

Police release ‘shocking’ Fireman Sam abuse voicemail

Jeremy Flashman was jailed for ten weeks
Fireman Sam has been axed by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue in its publicity materials.

Police have released a “shocking” and “extremely abusive” voicemail which a now-jailed man left for the head of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

As previously reported, Jeremy Flashman sent the abuse to chief fire officer Les Britzman in response to the service axing Fireman Sam from its promotional material.

The Lincolnite first reported the story earlier this year, which led to the fire service defending its decision in the national media and on Good Morning Britain.

Jeremy Flashman was jailed for 10 weeks after nasty abusive calls and emails to Lincolnshire’s fire chief. Photo: Stephen Daniels

Shortly after, Jeremy Flashman called Les Britzman and even after he hung up Flashman decided to leave a highly abusive voicemail and an email.

The following message has been played out in Lincoln Magistrates’ Court and contains offensive and derogatory comments.

“It’s Fireman Sam here. Not Fireman Samantha, not Fireman… whatever you want to call it. You sick paedophile. I’ve always wanted an abuser, politically correct, piece of… like you… you… sad…

“I really hope some guy comes along and puts you in your… place. You’re one ugly… anyway. Who do you think you are?

“Years and years of kids growing up with Fireman Sam and some… like you decides it’s not appropriate anymore. You know what? I don’t think you’re appropriate even breathing you…

“Your mother should have been castrated at birth for giving birth to a… like you. God knows what your wife or you spooled out your wife’s… you… horrible piece of…”

Chief Fire Officer Les Britzman. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Jeremy Flashman, 56, of Kings Road, Southminster, Essex, admitted three charges of sending an offensive, indecent or obscene message to Mr Britzman on 11 September this year. He was jailed for 10 weeks and ordered to pay a £121 surcharge.

Mrs Minihane said: “Mr Britzman found the contents deeply disturbing and upsetting. He finds it hard to understand how someone could get so angry and abusive about something like this.”

Flashman was traced through the mobile phone which he used to make the calls.

Tony Freitas, for Flashman, said: “He knows full well his actions have gone too far.

“He describes it as a moment of madness. A mad rant. He is very embarrassed.

“He apologises profoundly to Mr Britzman.”

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