Jail for man who threw cobble stones and a toilet lid at officers in Peterborough siege

Jody Stones barricaded himself into the home in Watergall, Bretton at about midday on October 20 last year following a domestic argument with his girlfriend.

Armed police were been called to the street after members of the public had seen him chasing the woman clad only in his boxer shorts moments before the siege.

Today (Friday) he appeared at Peterborough Crown Court, where he was given the three year sentence by Judge David Farrell.

Stones (31) of no fixed abode, had pleaded guilty to affray, burglary, two counts of handling stolen goods, assaulting a PC, two counts of assault and one count of possession of cannabis.

The court was told the drama began on October 20, when Stones was seen trying to get his girlfriend into a car. He had been chasing her wearing only his underwear.

Christopher Johnston, prosecuting, said: “When police arrived, Stones went into a garden. He picked up a fence post, and started waving it around.

“He then threw a heavy pot over the fence, swearing at officers.

“Cobble stones were then thrown towards the officer,

“The defendant went into the premises at Watergall, and barricaded himself in with the female.

“He threw items out, including glass, bottles, a toilet lid, pottery and a drill. The items were all used as missiles.

“The officers had to use protective shields.”

While he was in the house, Stones brandished a saw, and doused property with a small amount of petrol.

However, after four hours of talks, police persuaded Stones to leave the property.

He was put in an ambulance, where he kicked out at a paramedic and a police officer.

The court was told he was also found in possession of cannabis when he was arrested.

Stones also admitted being part of a gang who burgled a service station in Glinton in August.

During the midnight raid hundreds of pounds in cash was stolen, along with lottery scratch cards and cigarettes.

Stones left blood at the scene, and police were able to identify him as one of the culprits.

He was also found in possession of stolen items following burglaries in Lincoln Road and Yaxley. One of the items was the drill he threw at officers during the siege.

Mr Johnston told the court Stones had an extensive criminal record, with previous convictions for assaulting police officers, burglary and handling stolen goods.

The court was told Stones had not long been released from prison when he committed the latest string of offences - and met other members of hte gang which burgled the service station while he was in jail.

Caroline Allison, defending, said Stones had mental health problems, and was receiving help for his issues while on remand waiting for sentence.

She said: “At the time of the (Bretton) incident he had not been taking his medication for about a month.
“He was also having a difficult time as his father was seriously ill with a heart condition.

“He had an argument with his partner - who remains loyal, and they are engaged to be married.

“He was in an unhappy state, and planned to drink such a quantity of alcohol to take his own life. He also took a legal high and steroids.”

Miss Allison said he had spent so long going in and out of prison he had now become institutionalised.

Judge Farrell said Stones’ previous criminal history, including a number of similar offences to the ones he was in court for, were aggravating features to the case.

He said: “You have shown a disregard for the rules of civilised society.”

He added that he hoped Stones would be able to take advantage of the help offered to him.

He said: “I hope you get the help you clearly need in regards to your aggression, alcohol and mental health issues.”