A man facing a series of sex offences waved an imitation firearm at police after locking himself in his Wem flat, a court heard.

Police were called because Darren Wood was upset by online abuse when he faced allegations of sexual activity with a child.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court last week, 25-year-old Wood's defence barrister said the incident had been 'a cry for help'.

The court heard Wood was subsequently convicted of four charges of sexual activity with a child at a trial earlier this year.

He had also pleaded guilty to charges of affray and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear.

Wood, of High Street, Wem, was given a 23-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work, complete a rehabilitation programme and pay £750 court costs.

Passing sentence Judge Peter Barrie told Wood said the fact Wood had contested the sexual offence allegations suggested he had not taken on board the significance of what he had done.

He said Wood had a background of relationships which were short-lived but where there was a child involved, but there were mitigating circumstances.

The court was told that at the time of the incident at the flat on August 3, 2017, Wood had been on bail awaiting trial for the sex offences.

Wood had locked himself in his flat and when police arrived he brandished a knife and long-barrelled BB gun.

A police negotiator was alerted around 8pm and officers remained until he gave himself up.

Debra White, for Wood, said her client had mental health issues.

"He wanted contact with various individuals," she said. "He drank alcohol that day. This was a cry for help."

She said Wood had suffered some harassment through social media and had been struggling to cope with the allegations made against him.