A NEWPORT man who hurled tiles from the roof of a mental health unit, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, has appeared in court and admitted to the offences.

Riot shields were drawn to protect the public and property when Mark Anthony Booth-Pain started throwing the objects, police said at the time.

The 41-year-old appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court today (Friday), where he admitted affray and a string of criminal damage offences.

The charges to relate to an incident on Friday, April 2, at St Mary’s Hospital.

In a short statement on the night, a police spokesperson said several vehicles were damaged and officers were "deployed with riot shields" due to roof tiles being thrown at people and vehicles in the car park.

Six vehicles were damaged in total — a Landrover Freelander, a Citroen C3, an Audi, Suzuki Swift, a BMW 2 series and a Ford Focus.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court the tiles were classed as weapons, and because the incident involved threats to the police, the case was too serious for the magistrates’ court.

It was suggested he might set fire to things, which made necessary the attendance of the fire service.

Keith Verrinder, defending, said it was a case the crown should not be sentencing.

He said Booth-Pain had been mentally ill for some time, and suffers from ADHD, autism and agoraphobia.

The court heard how Booth-Pain had come out of prison 15 months ago and had not been receiving his regular medication due to lockdown.

Mr Verrinder said Booth-Pain was feeling unwell, and his mental health was very shaky.

He said he had been in contact with the mental health crisis team but was disappointed with the help offered.

Mr Verrinder said Booth-Pain was told to go away, at which point he felt aggrieved, and decided to climb on to the roof where he would be spotted, viewing it as a way to get in.

He said, while up there, being exposed and surrounded by lots of people, he felt threatened, panicked and lost his head.

Mr Verrinder said Booth-Pain was very sorry for what he did.

The case was adjourned to May 7 at the Isle of Wight Crown Court.

Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report from the probation service.