A 29-year-old Bedlington man has been fined and ordered to pay compensation after climbing onto a neighbour's roof, causing £1,000-worth of damage, and shouting racial abuse at a police officer during an hour-long stand-off.
Jason Wilshaw, of The Willows, Bedlington, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court where he pleaded guilty to a racially-aggravated public order offence, a public order offence, and criminal damage. The incident occurred on May 12 this year at his mother's home in Bedlington.
Rooftop Stand-Off and Racial Abuse
Wilshaw had gone to his mother's address to shout abuse at her, but his behaviour escalated when she hid inside and said she was phoning the police. He then climbed onto a neighbour's garage roof, where he remained for over an hour, damaging roof tiles and lead flashing.
During the stand-off, Wilshaw was heard shouting racist abuse at a police constable standing below. The court was told that the neighbour saw debris and broken tiles coming from the roof, with multiple tiles ripped off and damaged. She estimated the repair costs at around £1,000.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Jasmine Dodds, prosecuting, said Wilshaw shouted abuse at his mother, including threats to "smash up the estate". The neighbour's statement described the incident as causing "massive disruption to our normal Tuesday night", adding that her youngest daughter was "extremely scared" by the event.
The officer who was the victim of the racist remarks said in a statement: "Comments such as these affect me on a personal level. While such harm may not be physically visible, it has a lasting emotional effect on me."
Steve Chambers, defending, noted that the officer himself did not hear the racist words directly, as he was around the corner, but was told by a colleague.
Fine and Compensation Ordered
Wilshaw, who had six previous offences on his record and has since reconciled with his mother, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £200 compensation to his mother's neighbour. He must also pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
