A vandal who took to the rooftops and threw bricks and tiles into the street, resulting in damage to nearby cars is to be sentenced next month.
Paul Rutledge, 31, of Terrace Road, West Bank, Widnes, appeared among the chimneys on a terraced row of houses on Frederick Street in the early hours last Tuesday, March 21, prompting Cheshire Police to cordon off the area. A video clip posted on Facebook by Daf Barnes showed a figure throwing what appeared to be tiles crashing into the street, while police in tactical riot gear and carrying shields can be seen at various locations.
At Warrington Combined Court last Wednesday, Rutledge admitted nine separate charges. He pleaded guilty to six counts of criminal damage, with indicated guilty pleas to a further count of criminal damage - relating to a roof and chimney, harassment in breach of a restraining order, and racially or religiously aggravated threatening words or behaviour.
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The criminal damage guilty pleas related to damage to two roofs, unspecified “property”, and a Ford Fiesta, Peugeot and Mercedes, all belonging to various victims.
Rutledge was remanded in custody to be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on April 19, with a videolink recommended.
Police confirmed on Tuesday to the ECHO that the items being thrown from the roof were tiles and bricks and these had hit vehicles, causing damage.
A court document said Rutledge’s rooftop rampage occurred while he was subject to a community order.
In a statement issued last Tuesday, a Cheshire Police spokesman said: "Shortly after 3.40am on Tuesday, March 21, police were called to Frederick Street, Widnes following reports of a man on the roof of a property.
"Emergency services attended the scene and a 31-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of affray, criminal damage and harassment; he remains in custody at this time.
"A number of roads were closed while officers dealt with the incident.
"The closures have now been lifted."
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