A 35-year-old Betws heroin user has been warned he could face jail after he admitted threatening to kill a police constable he has known since childhood.

Damien Hughes, of 60 Treforis, made numerous threats against PC Ashley Jones following his arrest on January 19.

Appearing before Ammanford magistrates, Hughes admitted using threatening words and behaviour towards PC Jones as well as charges of being drunk and disorderly and possessing heroin.

Gerald Neave, prosecuting, told the court how police were called to Hughes' home at 10pm on January 18 following reports of a domestic disturbance.

When officers arrived they heard shouting and loud music coming from inside.

Officers told Hughes to turn down his music and left, only for the 35-year-old to follow them into the street.

Outside, Hughes became abusive and was arrested and taken to Llanelli Police Station.

Following his release, Hughes returned home and telephoned police.

"He was abusive and intoxicated," said Mr Neave.

"He kept asking for an ambulance and saying he had taken a lot of tablets."

When officers and paramedics arrived, Hughes became abusive.

Mr Neave said the room contained empty bottles and cans as well as empty tablet packets along with a foil wrap and a foil pipe.

When taken to a waiting ambulance Hughes became still more abusive and turned his fury towards PC Jones, who was one of the officers present.

"Ashley, I know you and I'm going to kill you," Hughes told the officer.

At Llanelli Police Station, Hughes continued threatening to kill PC Jones, despite the officer remaining in Ammanford.

In interview, Hughes admitted the wraps found in his property had contained heroin.

Hughes said: "I am very sorry if I caused Ashley any distress we have been brought up together and I meant no offence."

David Williams, defending, told the court that Hughes faced a number of personal issues.

"All of these offences took place over a 48-hour period during which he was having trouble coping.

"The 18th and 19th of January in particular were difficult times for him and he drank to excess and took drugs.

"He apologies unreservedly to PC Jones as the two men grew up together."

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until March 3 at Llanelli for the completion of pre-sentence reports but warned Hughes that all options would remain open, including a prison term.