A GUNMAN who rode along the seafront and threatened people has been held under the Mental Health Act.

Shaun Hartley was menacing people as he cycled along Madeira Drive in Brighton.

Armed police swooped in to arrest him at the marina.

The 38-year-old had his face covered and was brandishing an imitation firearm.

Last month at Lewes Crown Court he admitted possessing offensive weapons including the BB gun and a fish knife, and possessing cannabis.

Judge Christine Laing QC allowed a delay for Hartley’s defence team to allow Hartley to be tested by doctors and for previous psychiatric reports to be found.

The incident happened on August 10.

At the time, one witness told The Argus: “It was a scary sight.

“He had his face covered and there was certainly a lot of panic in the area from other people.

“I didn’t see the police arrive.

“I just saw them when they were already arresting a man.

“I saw the police bagging a gun.

“The police acted really fast which was good because people in the area were definitely getting scared.”

After his previous hearing Judge Laing QC refused to order a pre sentence report or a psychiatric report on behalf of the court.

The judge asked: “Why was he going around with a number of weapons?

“A gun was being brandished at a member of the public.

“Be under no illusions these are serious offences and a custodial sentence is inevitable.”

It was previously revealed that Hartley, of South Coast Road, Peacehaven, has battled with mental health problems and has twice been sectioned.

In court Noami Edwards, prosecuting, and Josie Sonessa, defending, confirmed that Hartley has been held. So he did not appear in the dock.

Ms Sonessa said a delay will allow doctors to know if Hartley has the “capacity to participate” in a future sentencing hearing.

Judge Laing QC said: “It is not really about his participation, he has pleaded guilty.

“It was simply to know if there were any hospital orders. At the moment he is simply not fit to come to court to be sentenced.

“I want to keep the case listed so that it doesn’t drift into the distance.”

The case was adjourned until December 2 for sentence.