A 'delusional' man sent racy underwear to a police officer with whom he thought he was in a sexual relationship.

Thomas Bree, 35, sent a gift card to the lingerie shop Boux Avenue with a bra and pants to the female officer after making up the story in March 2022.

He also claimed she had assaulted him and that three homeless man had slept with her - but Southampton Crown Court was told this was all untrue and he is schizophrenic, believing it is currently 2025.

When he was arrested for this, Bree of Hinkler Road, Southampton made the comment: “Didn’t she like her pants?”

The saga began after Bree was interviewed by police for a different offence and he first lied about the relationship.

Things ramped up when the female officer was on duty and received the disturbing delivery.

It contained an envelope with a letter inside, in which Bree confessed his 'love and commitment' to her, the gift card and the underwear.

Police were able to cross-reference the envelope with details they had for Bree on his custody record.

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Bree went on to plead guilty to multiple offences.

These were two counts of sending an offensive message, stalking, burglary and disclosing private sexual photographs.

This related to private photographs of a woman which he posted through the letterbox of another man.

But mitigating, Ruba Heleihel told Southampton Crown Court that reports into her client's health show 'he is an unwell man'.

She added that it is difficult to comment about his childhood but that it 'seemed to be traumatic' when his parents split up.

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Bree has also been using cannabis since he was 11, the court heard.

Dr Malhan, a psychiatrist giving evidence at his sentencing, said Bree does not believe he is schizophrenic or mentally unwell.

He has been having treatment for almost a year now.

Judge Nicholas Rowland described him as 'delusional' and said he has a 'long history of mental health difficulties'.

A section 37 hospital order was made for Bree, as well as a section 41 restriction order which means he must remain in hospital until the secretary of state approves his release.