A CONVICTED burglar who threw toys at police during a four-hour long rooftop stand-off has been jailed for 16 weeks by magistrates.

Adam Ashworth, 24, had been informed by the probation service that he was due to be returned to prison, after breaching his licence, the Burnley court was told.

But his solicitor Mark Williams said that he took exception when police officers arrived while he was putting his young child to bed.

Ashworth ended up on the roof of his Burdett Street home, throwing playthings and tiles at officers until eventually agreeing to come down just before 1am on Friday.

The police helicopter was drafted in during the incident.

He admitted an affray charge - when he appeared in court 14 hours later. Ashworth also faces extra time inside, for a period to be determined, for breaching his licence.

Parveen Akhtar said officers arrived at the defendant’s home at around 7.15pm on Thursday and - aware that he had a previous conviction for escaping from custody - went to the front and the back doors.

But he did not emerge and went up to the loft, climbing onto the roof from where he threw toys, books and tiles at the officers.

Mr Williams said Ashworth was aware that he was going to be returned to prison, after a court hearing on Wednesday, but had not been taken away as the proper paperwork could not be completed.

The court heard that there was a confrontation, as police arrived when he was putting his young child to bed, and things ‘got out of hand’.

Mr Williams added: “He accepts that to react the way he did was unacceptable and there is only one person responsible for the position he is in. He apologise and I would ask you to impose the minimum sentence you feel is appropriate.”