A serial offender has appeared in court again after throwing fire extinguishers from a Swindon rooftop.

Daniel Dent, who is homeless, told magistrates on Tuesday that the two-hour standoff, which saw him climb scaffolding to a rooftop, hurl abuse at police officers below, as well as throw £372 worth of fire extinguishers to the streets below, was him "crying out for help".

Dent could be heard bellowing to officers to "f*** off" at around 4.30am on Monday.

He pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Swindon Magistrates Court the following day.

“He’s been a regular face at court this year already for various offences,” said prosecutor Tom Power of the 35-year-old.

“He has been fined and given three chances but still is offending again.”

Defence solicitor Alan Walker noted how in Dent’s previous court appearance he said he would “just keep committing offences until he could go back to prison”.

“Mr Dent’s previous occasions in court have been him trying to receive a sentence of imprisonment,” he said.

“He is homeless and struggling with his mental health, but was not willing to engage with a mental health assessment as part of the pre-sentence report.”

The case was adjourned until next month and Dent, of no fixed abode, has been released on unconditional bail as the court was told he has now shown willingness to engage in a mental health assessment, which could change the outcome of his sentencing.

“This is your opportunity to prove to us we have done the right thing by releasing you on bail," said the chair of the bench, Christine Smith.

Dent will next appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on March 11.