A CHEPSTOW gunman, who threatened to harm police during an eight-hour siege at his home, was today handed a two year prison sentence.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Greg Searle, 35, set off a smoke alarm before barricading himself in the bedroom of the Aust Crescent home he shared with his mother around 6am on August 3 last year.

Prosecutor David Elias told how Searle hung out of an upstairs window holding what appeared to be a hand gun and pointed it at a police officer, who took cover behind a wall and radioed for firearms back up.

When they arrived Searle called out: "Hi boys, come to have some fun have you?"

Mr Elias said Searle, who was in an "extremely disturbed state"

brandished a knife and made threats to stab police officers and a negotiator.

After around two hours he threw the gun, which was later discovered to be an imitation gas-powered BB gun, out of the window.

While smoking cannabis, Searle threw items at officers including cans and a wine bottle stopper with a sharp pointed edge.

The court heard he told police he would not come out without a fight and asked them of they would shoot him in the head.

Around 1.10pm Searle's mother Jennifer made a statement pleading him to come out, before officers armed with tasers forced their way into the house around 2pm.

Searle, who was dressed only his boxer shorts, was arrested and handcuffed before the house was searched and ammunition was found.

The court also heard how earlier that day Searle sent a message on social networking site Facebook to family friend Paul Taylor, telling him he should lay down under the wheels of his car.

Karl Williams, defending, said Searle was suffering from depression and a border line personality disorder and his actions that day were a cry for help.

He said he had expressed genuine regret, shame and embarrassment at his behaviour and since being in custody had acted properly.

Searle, who previously pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear, affray and an offence under the malicious communications act, was sentenced to two years in prison.

He has already served eight months on remand.