A CHEPSTOW man jailed last year for using a BB-gun to threaten police has admitted sending more than 800 unwanted Facebook messages.

On July 29 this year, Greg Searle, 36, of Valentine Lane, Chepstow, admitted using threatening words or behaviour in Newport, damaging a police cell at Newport Central police station, and harrassment by sending 812 unwanted Facebook messages and 90 unwanted texts to Amanda Wright, between July 24 and July 28, 2013.

Searle was given a two-year prison sentence in April last year after pleading guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear, affray and an offence under the malicious communications act.

On August 3, 2011, he set off a smoke alarm before barricading himself in the bedroom of the Aust Crescent home he shared with his mother.

At his sentencing in April last year the court heard how he was in an "extremely disturbed state" when he brandished a knife and made threats to stab police officers and a negotiator.

He was said to be suffering from depression, a border line personality disorder and his actions that day were a cry for help.

Searle was due to appear at Cwmbran Magistrates Court via video link this morning but his solicitor Stephen Thomas said he had been transferred to St Cadoc's Hospital after his mental health significantly deteriorated.

A previous bench wanted a full psychiatric assessment of Searle, which was requested, but there is still no information as to when that will be done, said Mr Thomas.

The case was adjourned until September 23 when Searle is due to appear via video link at Cwmbran Magistrates Court.

He was remanded into custody.