Drunk who jumped off roof fined (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Drunk who jumped off roof fined

AUGUST 6: A DRINKER who fell asleep on the roof of Victoria Hospital took the quick way down when he was ordered to move by police.

Darren Waldie, 34, of Okus Road, scaled the roof of an extension at the hospital after a drinking session and fell asleep.

Swindon Magistrates' Court heard yesterday a police officer prodded Waldie and ordered him down.

Lynne Henderson, prosecuting said Waldie became abusive and then jumped to the ground.

Miraculously, he survived with only minor injuries.

The incident happened on Thursday afternoon.

Mrs Henderson said officers were called to the building in Victoria Road after reports a man was trying to break in.

"When the police officer arrived he said he could see the man on the roof and he appeared to be asleep," she said.

"The defendant jumped off the roof and landed on the grass.

"An ambulance was requested but the defendant refused treatment.

"The ambulance left and the defendant began shouting and swearing at staff.

"A police officer said if he continued to swear he would be arrested.

"He continued to swear and so was arrested."

Waldie admitted causing a disturbance likely to threaten or harass the public.

Only last week Waldie was sentenced for theft, criminal damage and failing to surrender to custody, said Mrs Henderson.

Defending, Rob Ross said he could not excuse his client's behaviour. But he said drink was the main factor.

"As a consequence of his actions he spent 22 hours in the cells," said Mr Ross.

"Mr Waldie is originally from Devizes but he recently came to Swindon to receive help for his drink addiction."

Sentencing Waldie, Roger Arnold-Shrubb, the chairman of the bench, ordered him to clean up his act.

"You are at the end of the line," he told him. "We cannot have citizens frightened by drunks like you."

Waldie was fined £50. He must also complete a 100-hour community rehabilitation order, imposed for a separate offence.