A Stevenage man who scaled a building and threw roof tiles down at the ground amid a massive 999 response has been given a community sentence.

Armed officers, paramedics, a police helicopter and the fire service called out during the incident last Tuesday night, after which 32-year-old Liam Caton was arrested. Nobody was hurt.

Caton, of Chertsey Rise, admitted criminal damage and affray when he appeared before Hatfield magistrates on Thursday.

Emergency services were called to Chertsey Rise shortly after 10am last Tuesday, amid concerns for the welfare of Caton – who was alone inside his flat.

He climbed onto the roof and removed tiles, throwing them to the ground, before returning to his apartment.

Magistrates chaired by Keith Smith sentenced him to a year-long community order, with a requirement to have drug dependency treatment for six months. He must also pay £200 in compensation.