A NEWPORT man who hurled tiles from the roof of a mental health unit, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, has been sentenced.

Riot shields were drawn to protect the public and property when Mark Anthony Booth-Pain started his campaign.

Booth-Pain, 41, was handed a suspended sentence at Winchester Crown Court last week.

He had previously admitted affray and a string of criminal damage offences in May 2021 after the incident on April 2, 2021, at St Mary’s Hospital.

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

It was suggested Booth-Pain might set fire to something, which made necessary the attendance of the fire service.

Keith Verrinder, defending at a previous hearing at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court, said it was a case the crown should not be sentencing.

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

He said his client 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.

Following a pre-sentence probation report, the case was finally brought to a close on January 7.

Booth-Pain was given a two year custodial sentence, suspended for two years.

He must undertake 30 rehabilitation days and a Thinking Skills probation course.

There was no order for costs or compensation.