Man on roof in Chatham High Street charged after seven hour stand off with police
16:22, 18 February 2020
updated: 16:28, 18 February 2020
A man who climbed onto a roof causing hours of traffic chaos in a town centre has appeared in court.
Tony Atherton, of no fixed abode, was charged with dangerous driving, vehicle theft, possession of an offensive weapon, three counts of theft and driving without insurance.
It comes after he was involved in a stand off with police on Thursday, February 13, while stood on top of a building in Chatham High Street.
Police had pursued a vehicle earlier in the day at around 3.40pm before finding Atherton on top of the building at 6pm.
At least 10 police vehicles, a fire engine, an ambulance, police negotiators and a dog unit were involved at the scene, which closed the High Street from the bingo hall to Button Family and Funeral Services.
The 35-year-old eventually came down from the building at around 12.40am the following morning.
He was taken to hospital and later arrested, before appearing at Medway Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
Atherton pleaded guilty to all offences and was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on a date yet to be confirmed.
