Two boys plead guilty to rooftop wrecking spree in Wallasey

May 6 2009 by Kevin Core, Liverpool Daily Post

Prosecuting, Jeremy Decker said: “When the police came to find the boys, they got out on to the roof, leaving police below effectively in a stand-off.

“Slates and coping stones were pulled from the terraced houses and thrown down on to the street.

“A number of cars, including police cars, were damaged and there remain a number of claims for compensation; the full cost is estimated to be at £100,000.”

During the four-hour stand- off their main demand to police negotiators was for more alcohol.

The boys were charged with criminal damage, endangering life and separate offences of burglary and assault.

The boys’ solicitor, Matthew Reynolds, who constantly tried to stop them talking and giggling, said both “could visualise a life outside crime”.

The judge sentenced the younger boy to 22 months in detention and training, likely to result in 11 months custody with good behaviour.

The older boy received an 18-month sentence.