A 22-YEAR-OLD man arrested after a rooftop stand-off in Enniskillen that lasted for seven-and-a-half hours had to be restrained by five police officers when he appeared in court at the weekend.

Mark Sheridan, of Ann Street, is facing a total of four charges in connection with the alleged incident in Belmore Street last Thursday (June 14).

He is charged with the criminal damage of roof tiles belonging to a person yet to be identified, possessing an offensive weapon, namely a roof tile, in a public place, using disorderly behaviour in Belmore Street and damaging a telephone belonging to the PSNI.

Meanwhile, Sheridan is also facing a total of four further charges in relation to two other alleged incidents earlier this year.

The 22-year-old is charged with using a motor vehicle without insurance at Ashdale, Enniskillen and driving while disqualified on March 10, 2018.

He is further charged with burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage at a flat in Belmore Street on May 20, 2018, as well as unlawfully assaulting a female on the same date.

Sheridan was led into the dock at a special sitting of Omagh Magistrates Court on Saturday morning, after his arrest earlier in the week.

Defending counsel, Ciaran Roddy, applied for his client to be released on bail, but this was strongly opposed by the PSNI.

A PSNI officer told the court that, on Thursday last, they received a call that the defendant was allegedly wrecking a flat in Belmore Street.

The officer claimed that, when police arrived at the scene, they found Sheridan had barricaded the door.

“He climbed on to the roof and stayed there for seven-and-a-half hours. During that time he removed roof tiles in an attempt to hit people below who were photographing him on their mobile phones,” the officer told the court.

He added that the PSNI were forced to close the street.

The officer said that, eventually, the defendant was persuaded to come down off the roof and was arrested. After being taken to Omagh police station, Sheridan is alleged to have thrown a phone across a room.

The officer also told the court that, when the defendant was interviewed, he admitted causing criminal damage and disorderly behaviour.

“He admitted his behaviour was stupid,” the police officer added.

Sheridan interrupted Saturday’s hearing a number of times to consult with his barrister.

Mr. Roddy told the court that his client was “in a particularly distressed state as regards his mental health”. He accepted Sheridan had 91 previous convictions, and was a serious risk of reoffending.

At this stage, Sheridan was flanked by two police officers in the dock.

Then the defendant suddenly leaped up on top of a screen in front of the dock and shouted: “I’m going to jump off. I need to go to the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital. I’m telling youse. I’ll hurt myself.”

Five police officers wrestled him down and to the ground. As they restrained him, he repeatedly shouted: “I need help.”

District judge, Nigel Broderick, refused bail, due to police concerns over the likelihood of further offences and possible witness interference.

However, the judge also expressed worries about Sheridan’s health.

“Whoever is taking him to Maghaberry should inform the authorities he is at risk of self-harm and has exhibited concerning behaviour,” the judge said.

He added that Sheridan should be monitored carefully in the prison.

The defendant was remanded in custody to appear before Fermanagh Magistrates Court on Monday, June 25.