An Adelaide man is behind bars after allegedly making 251 menacing phone calls to police in just eight hours. 

Between 4.45pm yesterday and 1.00am today, 45-year-old Robert Branch is accused of calling the police assistance line roughly every two minutes.

Police say the alleged behaviour was disruptive to operations, with the 131 444 number intended for individuals requiring help from officers. 

Branch was eventually arrested at his home and charged with using a carriage service in a harassing or offensive way. 

If guilty, he could face a jail term

“This is the worst type of idiotic, unthinking behaviour,” Police Minister Stephen Mullighan said.

Branch has previously shared videos online depicting visits to police stations. However, the current charges are unrelated to those prior in-person interactions.

During a court hearing, Branch launched an outburst, saying “police are out of control” before he was remanded in custody.

“This is a significant charge that carries with it very significant penalties so that will send a very clear message to anyone else in the community who might be thinking of engaging in such stupid behaviour,” Mullighan said.

A bail hearing is scheduled for next week.