Man jailed following stand off at derelict Kidderminster building from where he threw items at the public

A man who climbed a derelict building in Kidderminster and was throwing items at the public was yesterday (Tuesday, April 1) sentenced to 26 weeks in prison.

Stephen Collett, 40, of no fixed abode, was arrested after climbing the scaffolding around Derwent House at around 3am on Saturday (29 March).

West Mercia Police said that Collett had been throwing numerous items - including windows and metal - off the scaffold from the tenth floor and endangering the public and police officers.

He had armed himself with a retractable knife he stole from the building - which is due to be demolished – further causing concerns for his welfare.

After a stand-off for several hours including negotiators, the fire and ambulance services, he was persuaded to come down and was arrested. He later assaulted two police officers.

Yesterday at Kidderminster Magistrates Court, Collett was convicted of:

• Using threatening, abusive, insulting words, behaviour with intent to cause fear of - provoke unlawful violence, 

• Burglary other than dwelling 

• Theft 

• Possessing a knife blade/ sharp pointed article in a public place 

• Criminal damage to property - value under £5,000 

• Harassment 

• Breach of a restraining order on conviction, and  

• Two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker.

He pleaded guilty to all the offences and was sentenced to a total of 26 weeks imprisonment and ordered to pay £50 compensation to each of the officers in respect of the assaults.