A man who caused disruption by barricading himself into his flat and setting it alight has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

A judge at Maidstone Crown Court ruled that 54-year-old Peter Twiddy should be held “with restrictions” under section 41 of the act after hearing psychiatric evidence.

This means that he can be detained until doctors decide he is safe to be released back into the community.

The court heard that Twiddy’s actions at his former home in Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, on March 8 and 9 led to the closure of a main road for 20 hours. Residents in the area also had to be evacuated.

The 54-year-old, now of Woodbury Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, admitted committing a public nuisance offence.

His not guilty pleas to damaging property, arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and affray were accepted by the prosecution.

Prosecutor Andrew Espley told an earlier hearing: “We accept he did not booby trap the house but he made it difficult and dangerous for the police to enter. He set up two barricades.”

Sentencing had been adjourned for the preparation of medical reports. Twiddy sat in the dock throughout the hearing flanked by mental health staff.