MICHAEL Baldwin claimed he felt suicidal during the police hunt for missing stepdaughter Jenna Brookfield, a court heard yesterday.

The 36-year-old, formerly of Limekiln Road, Pontynewynydd, made the outburst to wife Desiree and two family liaison officers from Gwent Police days before being charged with Jenna's murder.

He denies killing the 15-year-old between September 3 and 11 last year. He admits burying her body in a shallow grave.

Baldwin alleges the pair had a heated argument and Jenna fell down the stairs of their former family home, Jasmine Cottage, Ffrwd Road, Aber-sychan, on September 10. The jury of eight men and four women at Cardiff crown court were told by both Det-ective Sergeant Rory Waring (pictured) and Detective Constable Angela Jones that Baldwin had claimed he contemplated taking an overdose.

In evidence, DS Waring claimed Baldwin said: "I've come that close to taking a lump of tablets myself."

Baldwin accused officers of pointing the finger at him and, referring to Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Ronayne, said: "He thinks I've done something."

DS Waring told him he was there to look after the family, not investigate the case. David Aubrey QC, prosecuting, asked the officer how Baldwin's demeanour changed after that.

"He calmed down," DS Waring said. "He went into the kitchen, smiled, and said, 'You might as well have a cup of tea'."

Later that day Baldwin was told not to pick up his and Desiree's other child from school. Desiree's sister would do it instead.

A reporter from HTV was coming to speak to the couple about Jenna's disappearance. On October 18 Baldwin was told his car and shoes had to be taken away for forensic examination.

Later that day, Desiree was downstairs with liaison officers and an Argus reporter. Baldwin, the court was told, was upstairs.

Desiree received a text on her mobile, which was supposed to be from Jenna, telling her mum when her birthday was.

Baldwin then came downstairs, made a cup of tea and went back upstairs. At 4.16pm Desiree received another text, reading: 'Mam I love you.' Mr Aubrey told the jury that, shortly after Desiree received this text, Baldwin came back downstairs.

On Sunday, October 20, DS Waring and DC Jones arrived at the Baldwins' home. The defendant was just getting up, at 10.25am, when Desiree said she had received another text.

Earlier the 40-year-old had sent a text, to, she thought, Jenna, asking what she had painted at her grandfather's house.

The correct answer was a radiator, which Desiree told the officers in the presence of Baldwin.

The answer came back that morning and read 'a Christmas painting' which was wrong. A text would be received by Desiree some days later correcting the mistake.

On October 21 the couple were told that the police did not believe the texts were being made by Jenna and they would tell the public this in a press conference.

They would also ask the person sending the messages to stop.Mr Aubrey asked what Baldwin did then.

DS Waring said: "He asked if there was any news on his shoes and when could he get them back."

Baldwin went on to complain about the way he was being treated by DCI Ronayne. Baldwin told DS Waring: "I've done nothing wrong. I will tell him to his face. "If he's got things on me, take me down the station and I will tell him there."

DS Waring added: "He (Baldwin) said he would buy a new pair of shoes and bill him (DCI Ronayne) and go to the papers."

Desiree and Baldwin were later told to text the person claiming to be Jenna and ask for a personal item, like a ring or training shoe, to be sent in the post.

On October 24 Desiree and both liaison officers went through her jewellery box to check if anything was missing.

They could not find a Greek wedding ring and a half eternity ring. The search was made while Baldwin was not in the house.

Later that day, Baldwin was assembling a new lawn mower in the hallway, while Desiree, the liaison officers and DCI Ronayne talked about Jenna in the lounge. The DCI asked Baldwin to join them but, according to DS Waring, he said: "Why should I? I feel like committing suicide. You're pointing the finger at me.

"What about my shoes? You don't know what it's like for me." He remained in the hallway.

On October 29, the day Baldwin was arrested for the murder of Jenna Brookfield, Desiree's sapphire and diamond engagement ring was delivered in the post. It was supposed to be from Jenna.DS Waring intercepted the package at the front door to Jasmine Cottage and ordered the postman to lay it on the floor.

Scenes of crime officers were on standby, near the house, ready to examine the parcel. The ring was taken away but brought back for Desiree to identify.

DCI Ronayne questioned whether the ring had actually been sent from Jenna. DS Waring told the court: "There was no note and no text to ask if it had arrived." At 12.30pm another text was sent to Desiree's mobile, saying: "Mam have you had the ring yet I will speak to you or send a letter when I'm ready."

At 4.30pm Desiree received a telephone call. She was told her husband had been arrested in connection with Jenna's murder. Proceeding