Accused denies roof stand-off
A MAN has denied causing a public nuisance by allegedly taking part in a rooftop stand-off with police.
Christopher Cook is accused of scaling the old police station, on Pilgrim Street, in Newcastle city centre, at around 4.15am on May 2.
Parts of the road were closed as police dealt with the suspected stand-off for eight hours until the 39-year-old allegedly came down.
Cook, of Ladykirk Road, in Benwell, Newcastle, was arrested and appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded not guilty to one count of causing a public nuisance.
Because of the alleged level of disruption caused and because fire crews and a number of police resources were sent to the scene, prosecutor Anna Barker said the case should be sent to the crown court.
She added: “This is an either way matter as it’s an offence of public nuisance, however, the Crown would submit this is something that’s not suitable for trial in this court because of the likely sentence upon a conviction.” Magistrates declined jurisdiction and Cook was remanded in custody to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, June 1. Emergency services were called to the old police station on Pilgrim Street at around 4.15am on Wednesday. Firefighters initially used an aerial platform ladder to help police negotiators get on to the roof of the building. However, the crews were later stood down and the alleged incident came to a end just before midday. Anna Barker