A MAN who took a 20-month-old baby onto a rooftop and hurled missiles at the police during a 12-hour armed siege has been jailed for four months.

Mechanic Jeremy Robinson, 42, now living in High Street, Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, admitted child cruelty, affray and criminal damage at Bournemouth Magistrates Court.

Tim O'Sullivan, prosecuting, told the court that police were called to Robinson's previous address in Cranemoor Close, Highcliffe, on August bank holiday.

Robinson had snatched the child from her mother's arms during an argument and run up the ladder into the attic, which was being converted.

He pulled up the ladder so no-one could follow.

He then opened a window, removed tiles and threw them at the two police officers, who retreated and called for reinforcements.

Attempts were made to coax Robinson down, but his response was to throw bricks and tiles.

"A siege situation then developed," said Mr O'Sullivan.

Robinson took the child onto a flat dormer roof, at times leaving her unattended while he continued to throw missiles at the police.

He held a battery powered screw gun to his head and threatened to kill himself, and picked up a hammer and a pole and threatened violence.

"The police say the child was in an extremely dangerous position," said Mr O'Sullivan.

Robinson dismantled the chimney and kept up the abuse, threats and missiles for 12 hours before agreeing to come down at 1.50am.

His solicitor, Robert Renshaw, told the court his client had described the incident to the police as "a catastrophe" and stated that he was ashamed of his actions.

Robinson had previously sought professional help with controlling his anger and a psychiatrist had diagnosed him as suffering from a depressive disorder.

District judge Nigel Hodkinson told him: "I have to take into account the fear that must have been given to that child.

"Any right-minded member of society would consider you should have to go into custody."

First published: Sept 30