A sentencing judge has told a man who was at the centre of a 28 hour rooftop stand-off that he should be helped and not punished.
In October of last year Stefan Galloway, now 48, ripped up tiles and threw them from a rooftop in front of crowds of onlookers in George Street in Truro before eventually giving himself up having caused £40,000 worth of damage.
Galloway appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing via video-link from the Langdon mental health hospital in Dawlish in Devon.
He previously admitted charges of affray and damaging property belonging to Cornwall Housing, which is owned by Cornwall Council.
Prosecuting Galloway, Nigel Wraith described how on October 16 2018 police and mental health practitioners went to Galloway’s property to carry out an assessment.
He said: “When they got to the address they tried to communicate with Mr Galloway but their efforts proved fruitless so the decision was made to force entry.
“Mr Galloway placed timber behind the door in an effort to prevent entry but entry was gained and it was established that the defendant had got into the loft and from there he made his way onto the outside roof. What followed was a stand-off lasting well over 24 hours.
“At various times he removed a large number of tiles and threw them down onto the road. He directed and aimed them at police officers who had shut a number of roads in the area.
“The roads had to be closed off and residents escorted to and from their properties. His actions caused significant disruption to residents, bus journeys were affected as well as parents taking their children to and from schools and local businesses.
“Well over 50 police officers were involved at various times trying to resolve the situation.”
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The court then heard from a medical professional who has worked with Galloway who said that he believed Galloway poses a risk of serious harm in the future and that he lacks insight into his condition.
Judge Simon Carr was told however that Galloway had offered to pay £5,000 of his own money towards the damages, something Judge Carr commended him for.
Sentencing Galloway, Judge Carr said that in his view Galloway needs treatment and not punishment.
He said: “In October 2018 police and mental health professionals attended your address for an assessment as people were concerned about your demeanour and actions.
“When they forced entry you’d gone out onto the roof and stayed there for some 27 hours. During that time you threw missiles and some 50 police officers had to be deployed. Roads were shut and people’s lives inconvenienced. You caused £40,000 worth of damage.
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“I accept you were very unwell at the time and your diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia but you still have a lack of insight and refuse to accept medication when in the community. You are unable to control your outbursts and that can cause serious harm to those around you.
“I thank you for your offer of compensation but I hope that money will and in the not too distant future, be used to support you when you return to the community.”
Judge Carr made a hospital order meaning that Galloway will continue his recover in the care of medical professionals.
