RICK ON THE ROOF is now RICK OFF THE ROOF

I wonder if the photo I took of Rick last Sunday (see last week in this blog) was the last taken of him up there?

Seems that on Monday night, two men in balaclavs allegedly forced him down and then gave him a beating severe enough to hopsitalise him. Those two men have been bailed. Howver, now down, the police could take actiomn against Ricky as he's been bailed too and ordered to stay out of Barry.

It seems strange seeing the house with all its protest banners removed and the builders wasted no time moving in to repair/decorate it. The house was sold to Irish property developers a year ago.

Got a funny feeling we haven't heard the last of this yet. What odds Ricky does re-appear at an opportune moment - can't imagine him giving up just like that.


THIS REPORT IN BARRY & DISTRICT

'Rick on the Roof' in court
7:30am Thursday 16th October 2008
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By Sharon Harris »
BARRY rooftop protester Ricky Canty appeared at Barry Magistrates Court yesterday (Wednesday) charged with criminal damage - after he was allegedly forcibly removed from the Raldan Close house.
The 59-year-old was, it is claimed, pushed through a hole in the roof by two balaclava-wearing thugs.
It is alleged he was beaten and tied up on Monday evening before police were called to the scene.
Paramedics took Mr Canty out of the property on a stretcher and gave him oxygen before an ambulance took him, escorted by police, to the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff.
He was discharged from hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning - when police arrested him and took him to Barry police station before pressing charges of criminal damage.
Two men, both aged 56, who were arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and assault, have been released on unconditional bail pending further inquiries.
Mr Canty's sister, Penny Richards, said she had last seen him at the University Hospital of Wales, but had not seen him since his arrest - and was worried for her brother's health and safety.
"He looked dreadful," she said.
"He had a boxer's face.
"The right side of his face was swollen and he had rope burns all up his arms.
"He's got stitches in his hand - he looks like the elephant man."
Mr Canty has been living on the roof of the Raldan Close house for more than two years, following a dispute over ownership.
Mr Canty was released on conditional bail and is due to appear before Barry magistrates on November 26.