A man released from prison under an early release scheme sparked a rooftop standoff with armed police just hours later, demanding a bowl of soup, a KFC and a helicopter.
Gary Maxwell, 39, had served only one month of a six-month sentence before being let out. He was back in custody the same day after refusing to surrender during a siege at his mother's home in Linwood, Renfrewshire.
Siege Unfolds After Early Release
Prosecutor Christie Clark told Paisley Sheriff Court that Maxwell was released on July 17 this year. He met his brother, Callum Maxwell, but Callum left him and returned home after Gary was "being snippy" with him.
Later, Callum was woken by Gary banging on the front door of the family home on Bridge of Weir Road, asking to come inside. The court heard Gary was "heavily under the influence and very erratic." Police were called and found him sitting on a window ledge smoking.
Officers spoke to Callum and their mother, Lorraine, who were "both in a state of fear and alarm" due to Gary's behaviour. Miss Clark explained: "He made his way onto the roof and said he didn't want to go back to jail."
Demands and Threats on the Roof
During the standoff, Maxwell stated he wanted "a bowl of soup, a KFC and a helicopter." He continued to shout and swear at police and members of the public in an aggressive manner and walked close to the edge of the roof.
He shouted at onlookers, "wait til I get out, I'll smash all your windows." Police negotiators arrived, but he told them he did not want to return to jail. He then pulled lead flashings off the roof, smashed windows, and used shards of glass as weapons, throwing them at officers below who had to take "hard cover" to avoid being struck. He also threw glass over the other side of the building, endangering the public.
Arrest and Court Appearance
A "Code 1" was issued, requiring officers to put on helmets and arm themselves with shields to continue engaging with Maxwell. He eventually agreed to give himself up "after having a couple of cigarettes" and was arrested.
Maxwell pleaded guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour at a hearing last week, representing himself. He told Sheriff Eoin McGinty he did not want a lawyer, adding: "I'm sick of lawyers. It'll take too long." The sheriff adjourned sentencing to allow Maxwell a chance to get legal representation, saying: "These are serious matters." Maxwell, remanded in custody, could face up to five years in prison when he returns to court.
