A MAN on a comedown from drugs found himself on top of a roof in Royal Wootton Bassett where he damaged the roof tiles, a court has heard.

Haydn Andrews appeared in custody before magistrates in Swindon today, Monday facing the charge from June last year and breaching a community order for a separate offence.

22-year-old Andrews pleaded guilty to damaging two roof tiles in Briars Close on June 26, 2015 and he admitted missing appointments with the probation service in the autumn due to having to work and breaking his thumb.

The court heard the owner of the roof tiles had heard some loud banging outside her home and saw the defendant on the roof of her neighbour's property.

Prosecuting, Michelle Hewitt told the court: "She said he was displaying alarming behaviour and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. He shouted down to her that he had taken intoxicants.

"It is not clear how the damage was caused, either by walking on them or throwing things from the adjacent roof. She rang the police and was told someone else had already rung and they were on their way."

Andrews, of Groundwell Way, but formerly of High Street, Malmesbury, was taken to hospital and was interviewed by police in August where he admitted to the offence. He told officers he had taken intoxicants which had got the better of him, and he was on a comedown which made him feel paranoid.

Defending him, Moses Tawo told the court there was no suggestion the damage - estimated to cost £100 to repair - had been caused intentionally.

He said: "He was going through a great deal of personal difficulties. He was homeless and had all the problems associated with homelessness - there was the drug abuse, the bad company- you name it, he had it.

"To his credit he said 'yes, I have committed this crime and I hold my hands up'."

Mr Tawo said that since the offence there had been a "massive change" in Andrews' personal circumstances.

"For the first time since I have known him he has a full time job. He started work in November and he now has a roof over his head for the first time in a very long time."

Magistrates agreed with a report provided by the probation service that he should carry out seven hours of unpaid work for the missed sessions and also pay £40 of their costs.

Chairman of the bench Timothy Foster said: "This report does not make very happy reading, you still have a large number of hours to complete."

For the charge of criminal damage he was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim and the prosecution's costs of £85.