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Man jailed after seven hour rooftop stand off with police in Chatham High Street

A man who climbed onto a roof causing seven hours of traffic chaos in Chatham town centre has been jailed.

Tony Atherton, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court for dangerous driving without a licence or insurance, aggravated vehicle taking, possession of an offensive weapon and making off without a payment.

Police with riot shields. Picture: UK News and Pictures (33973570)
Police with riot shields. Picture: UK News and Pictures (33973570)

The 35-year-old was involved in a stand off with police on 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 where he pleaded guilty to all charges.

Atherton was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court
Atherton was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court

Atherton was also found to be in breach of a suspended sentence.

He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 18 months' imprisonment, disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £149.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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