A man who disrupted hours of police time at Bethel Street station "to engage" with officers has been slapped with a fine.

Ethan Stapley, 24, was arrested after climbing on top of bike sheds behind the city centre police station at around 2pm on Saturday, May 6 last year.

Stapley, of Buttercup Drive in Bradwell, was due to appear for trial at Norwich Magistrates Court on Wednesday for the obstruction of police duties and using threatening, abusive words and behaviour - but did not turn up.

Norwich Evening News: Stapley was sentenced at Norwich Magistrates Court on May 30Stapley was sentenced at Norwich Magistrates Court on May 30 (Image: Newsquest)

After being found guilty of both counts by magistrates, a warrant was issued for Stapley's arrest to ensure he attended his sentencing.

However, the warrant was withdrawn shortly after as Stapley turned up to his sentencing on Thursday.

READ MORE: Car dealership chief outlines plan in the wake of McDonald's agreement

Despite magistrates saying they would "look at all options" ahead of his sentencing, in the end, he was given a £100 fine.

Norwich Evening News: Ethan Stapley, 24, was arrested after climbing on top of bike sheds behind Bethel Street police station in May last yearEthan Stapley, 24, was arrested after climbing on top of bike sheds behind Bethel Street police station in May last year (Image: Newsquest)

Stapley had said in a police interview after his arrest that the reason for traversing the station was simply to engage with officers.

When questioned why he was wearing a medieval knight's helmet, Stapley said it was "a tactic to promote engagement" with the police.

READ MORE: Worker sacked after trying to stop brazen thieves amid shoplifting surge

During the trial PC Beya, giving evidence, said Stapley was "very obstructive and made it difficult to take proper control of him" requiring four officers to apply his handcuffs.

Norwich Evening News: Stapley was said to be wearing an old and rusty knight's helmet while on the roofStapley was said to be wearing an old and rusty knight's helmet while on the roof (Image: Newsquest)

Sgt Christopher Clay added Stapley also directed "abusive and homophobic language" at him after being brought down.

The chairman of the bench added Stapley's actions caused "disruption to the police and diverting people away from priority calls could have put people's lives and safety at risk".

It is not the first time Mr Stapley has been involved with police, having been found guilty of resisting arrest during a demonstration in London in November last year and having charges dropped after disrupting a memorial service for the Queen at Yarmouth Minster.