A MAN almost jumped off the top of a town centre car park on New Year’s Day after a family dispute.

Grzegorz Grad, 24, of Piernik Close in Haydon End appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court for a civil hearing after police applied for a binding over order after a breaching the peace incident.

A person who is ‘bound over’ can be required to refrain from certain activities for a length of time, be of good behaviour, or comply with other conditions, and pay a financial penalty if these conditions are breached.

Nick Barr, prosecuting, said: “The defendant called his home saying he’d been assaulted by his father.

“When police arrived, both the defendant and his father were drunk, he was animated, had a cut to his lip and complained that he had been thrown out of the house for no reason.

“His father said that the defendant had become aggressive towards him, so the father told him to leave. The defendant said he didn’t want to be there but had nowhere else to go, then cycled off.

“Later, the defendant called the police and told them he was on the roof of the Brunel West car park and wanted to jump. Officers spoke to him, then arrested him for his own protection.”

Emma Charlton, defending, said: “It’s an unfortunate case. Mr Grad is willing to accept that he breached the peace, though he has no income he can offer £50 to the court for the bind order’s financial penalty.

“The police have tried to find him shelter but that was not possible. He lives with his parents but the relationship is clearly not good.”

Magistrates decided to refuse the application for the bind over order and suggested that he get help from a GP and warned that he could end up with a criminal record if the ill will between him and his parents turns violent again.

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts should call the Samaritans on 01793 537373 or 116 123