Gangster Domenyk Noonan has scaled Manchester’s Big Wheel in a protest against plans to recall him to prison.

The 49-year-old climbed onto the roof of one of the pods of the giant wheel in Piccadilly Gardens before climbing ladders to its centre, about 100ft above the ground.

The drama started at 3.30pm. Operators of the Big Wheel shut it down with some customers stranded in other pods.

Speaking on his mobile phone from his position halfway up the 197ft wheel, Noonan told the MEN: "This is the scariest thing I have ever done in my life.

"I want the police to stop harassing me, even the probation service over the last three days. They are threatening to recall me to prison."

Noonan, 49, said he had a 'stupid argument over the washing-up' with a friend at an address in Cheetham Hill where he is required to stay under the terms of his licence.

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He added that because of the argument, he went to stay at another friend's house in Stretford, which was technically a breach of his licence conditions.

Noonan accepted that he will be arrested and recalled to prison as a result of his protest and added: "At least this time I have actually done something."

Cody Lachey, 30, a friend of Noonan, said at the scene: "I've just spoken to him on the phone and he's planning to come down at 10pm tonight.

"He's prepared. He's got a sleeping bag, chocolate, crisps and a bottle of water. He's also got insulin for his diabetes."

He has spoken to his solicitors and he has been told he is likely to be charged with wasting police time and will be in court in the morning.

"He has proved his point, he has brought Manchester to a standstill."

Members of the public who were stuck in pods when the wheel came to a halt have now been released.

Police officers at the scene have made no attempt to scale the wheel to reach Noonan and appear to be waiting for him to come down.

A crowd of more than 1,000 had gathered in Piccadilly Gardens by 4.30pm to watch the protest.

Noonan could be heard shouting to the crowd below from his position about 100ft up the wheel but it was not clear what he was saying.

Police have cordoned off a large area at the foot of the wheel,

but some bus services are still running through Piccadilly Gardens.Noonan has spent the majority of his adult life in prison.

The licence period for his most recent sentence was due to elapse on Friday.

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