Jonathan Grace appeared at Swansea Crown Court
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A KNIFE man who was in a stand-off with armed police has been ordered to remain in hospital until further notice.
Jonathan Grace had been staying with his uncle Martin Grace at his home in Jersey Terrace, in Briton Ferry, when he 'started causing concern' on February 19 this year, due to his history of mental health issues.
Swansea Crown Court was told Jonathan Grace was carrying knives around the house, and his uncle grew concerned he may cause harm to a neighbour.
Prosecuting, Paul Hobson said Jonathan Grace had been made subject of a restraining order in respect of the neighbour the previous September, after harassing him.
Mr Hobson said that after Martin Grace contacted police, he was told to leave the house and officers arrived.
"The police presence was considerable, and included armed officers", said Mr Hobson.
"They spent one-and-a-half hours trying to persuade the defendant to leave the house peacefully.
"The defendant said 'I am going to charge you and stab you. I will stab anyone who comes in'".
During the stand-off, Grace would open the door and shout threats and challenges to the police, said Mr Hobson, including 'the only way to stop me is to shoot me' and 'I will kill the first one'.
The court heard he eventually came running out of the property towards a car behind which officers had taken refuge, but before he could reach them he was tazered.
Mitigating, Jon Tarrant told the court: "I have endeavoured to take instructions [from Grace] this morning but I have struggled. The only communication is that he thought his life was at risk".
Grace had pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, making threats to kill and affray.
The court was told he had a number of previous convictions for violent offences, as well as public order offences, and harassment.
Judge Paul Thomas QC said: "I am going to make a hospital order until it is considered you are able to be released".
Read more at http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/knife-man-in-stand-off-with-police-detained-in-hospital/story-29777813-detail/story.html#Koyo2c83Yb3pYW8E.99
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