A Turangi man has been jailed after he attacked two police officers who were trying to stop him from self-harming.
Owen Charles Becroft, 50, was sentenced in the Rotorua District Court today to two and a half years' imprisonment, after previously pleading guilty to two charges of wounding with intent.
Becroft attacked two Turangi police officers with a knife in the town on September 24, leaving them with deep lacerations to their hands.
According to the police summary of facts, Becroft's family reported to police he was threatening to kill himself.
Police looked for Becroft throughout the night and he was eventually found in his car parked in the Turangi town centre car park about 9.50pm.
Judge James Weir said one of the officers vowed not to finish his shift until he found Becroft and ensured he was safe.
The summary stated Becroft had a gas bottle in the car and produced a lighter and the officers, fearing for Becroft's immediate safety, attempted to remove him from his car.
Becroft then punched one constable in the face and as the struggle continued, Becroft produced a knife and stabbed the constable in the right arm and hand, leaving three puncture wounds.
He then stabbed the other constable in his right hand, again leaving three puncture wounds.
Both injured officers were taken by ambulance to Taupo Hospital for treatment and required stitches to their arms and hands.
"They [the police officers] were determined to find you, to help you. When they did, you were in a difficult situation to say the least.
"The resulting injuries were serious but not life threatening and the attack was a brief one," Judge Weir said.
He noted Becroft suffered from depression and said he took into account Becroft's mental state when reaching his sentence.
One of the offices was in court for sentencing, along with members of Becroft's family.
Judge Weir said Becroft had been given a three strikes warning in October.