A HARLOW man has appeared in court after a seven hour rooftop stand-off in the Ladyshot area of the town.

Ben Murphy, aged 40, of No Fixed Abode, Harlow appeared at Chelmsford magistrates court charged with the following.

On December 12th 2023, at Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, sent communication to a person via a third party which you were prohibited from doing by a restraining order under section 5 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 imposed by Chelmsford Crown Court.

On November 14th, 2025, in Harlow assaulted a male, thereby occasioning him actual bodily harm.

On January 6th, 2026 stole two Nintendo switch and an Amazon Fire 7 tablet,, to the value of £486.99, belonging to another.

On May 7th, 2026 at Harlow, without lawful excuse, damaged wiring and some concrete slates to the value of unknown belonging to another intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged.

On May 7th, 2026 at Harlow, without lawful excuse, damaged metal wiring from the roof of the house to the value unknown belonging to another intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged.

On May 7th, 2026 at Harlow caused wasteful employment of the police by knowingly making to a constable a false report to give rise to apprehension for the safety of persons or property.

On May 8th, 2026 in Harlow assaulted a police officer in execution of their duty.

On May 8th, 2026, at Harlow, without lawful excuse, damaged the interview room in Harlow Custody to the value of unknown belonging to Essex Police intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged.

On May 8th, 2026, at Harlow, without lawful excuse, damaged a police top to the value of unknown belonging to Essex Police intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged.

Murphy was remanded on conditional bail.

The next hearing is set for May 27th, 2026 at Chelmsford magistrates court.