POLICE had to cordon off an area of Darwen after a 34-year-old man climbed onto the roofs of a terrace of houses and threw slates at people below.

Blackburn magistrates heard how Daryl Barnes had been drinking pernod and vodka and on several occasions stumbled near the edge of the roofs in South Street.

And the court heard that it was the second time in two days that Barnes had been arrested in similar circumstances.

Barnes, of Higher Church Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to affray and damaging a car windscreen. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Scott Ainge, prosecuting, described Barnes as "staggering about" on the roofs and stumbling close to the edge of several occasions on Sunday June 10.

Police cordoned off the area and fire brigade and ambulance personnel were in attendance for about two hours.

"One of the slates he threw off the roof damaged a car windscreen but fortunately nobody was injured," said Mr Ainge. "Eventually a trained negotiator managed to cajole him off the roof."

Mr Ainge said that when interviewed when he was sober Barnes couldn't remember what had happened.

When he had been arrested the previous day his mental health status had been assessed.

Daniel King, defending, said the police did not charge Barnes with any offence following the first incident.

He said Barnes had separated from his partner and had been left with the children and debts of the relationship and emotional problems.

"He has turned to drink and this incident came after he had been drinking pernod and vodka," said Mr King. "His memory of the incident is virtually non-existent."