A MAN who had trashed his flat during a drug fuelled rampage climbed onto a ledge and threatened to jump.

Blackburn magistrates heard a police negotiator was called to the scene on Friday night

But before he arrived a group of drinkers making their way home shouted at Jake Bannister to go ahead and jump.

Bannister, 29, of Rainhall Road, Barnoldswick, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and affray. He was sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on April 21.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said police were called to the flat following reports of crockery and fridge freezer doors being thrown out of the windows.

Police forced entry and found the flat in disarray. The landlord later estimated that more then £5,500 worth of damage had been caused.

“The defendant had left through the window,” said Mrs Yates. “He was on the ledge threatening to jump and kill himself.”

Mrs Yates said Bannister tied clothing around his neck and the other end round a drain pipe. He also wrapped a wire around his neck.

“The officers were concerned he was going to fall and hurt himself,” said Mrs Yates.

“They could see he was under the influence of drugs and wasn’t making any sense,” said Mrs Yates.

Bannister initially refused to engage with the negotiator but eventually, after several hours of negotiation, came back into the room and was handcuffed.

“This was a long, protracted incident with a lot of damage caused,” said Mrs Yates.

Ivan Dickinson, defending, said his client was normally a very pleasant individual.

“He had taken drugs at the time of this incident and was not himself,” said Mr Dickinson. “He apologises profusely to the police, to the court and his landlord for his behaviour.”