A MAN has admitted destroying windows and doors at a flat after a seven-hour stand-off with police last December.
Police and firefighters were called to Ribblesdale Court, Chilwell, at around 11am on Saturday, December 29, because of concerns about the behaviour and safety of a man in a second-floor flat.
They asked all the other people in the block to leave their homes while detectives spoke to him. He was eventually arrested at around 5.45pm.
Today, Matthew Wilkinson, 36, previously of Ribblesdale Court, admitted criminal damage to windows and doors belonging to Broxtowe Council and threatening to a police officer he would destroy or damage property at Ribblesdale Court.
The full background of what exactly what happened when be outlined in detail when he is sentenced on April 23.
Nottingham Crown Court did hear that he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and the incident was a "cry for help".
Matthew Smith, in mitigation, said: "He hasn't offended for a long period of time."
He added: "I understand he has lost the tenancy where this occurred."
Wilkinson, wearing a white shirt and black trousers, was bailed to live at his sister's address in Murdon Way, Beeston.
He must attend an appointment with the Probation Service and his GP before he is sentenced.
Judge John Milmo QC said he was not in a position to sentence him today.
However, he indicated to a probation officer in court that he was minded to make a community order when he deals with Wilkinson.
At the time of the incident, people living in nearby flats spoke to the Post.
Andy James, 37, had said: "I was just sat having my breakfast when I heard all the sirens arriving in the area.
"I looked out of my window to see what was going off and there were police everywhere.
"I couldn't see too much as it was dark. But I could see they had all surrounded the next block to where I live. No one seemed to know what was going off."
Another neighbour, who didn't want to be named, had also seen police arrive.
He said: "It just happened so quick. I was just about to go out when lots of police suddenly arrived.
"We hear quite a few sirens at times but this was like nothing I've seen before."
Police cordoned off the block while they investigated the incident. It remained cordoned off on the Saturday evening following the arrest.
Two officers stood guard on a footpath leading up to the block of flats.
Several police cars were in a car park outside.
Police were still at the scene the following day, with the second floor, where the incident happened, cordoned off.
Officers, including forensics, could be seen in the flat.
Glass in a window on the second floor had been smashed, while a curtain was hanging out.
People living in the block had been taken to a nearby community centre while the situation was resolved.
They were allowed back in on the Saturday night.
