Jail for man who threatened to kill police officer

A man who threatened to kill a police officer has been given a prison sentence.

Malcolm Tiriti Hepi arrived home on April 17 after being away. His partner was at home with her three children, including a 6-month-old baby.

Hepi became "agitated" and started using a baseball bat to smash his property, including a stereo, Judge David Cameron said in Whanganui District Court on Tuesday.

Later that afternoon, the partner locked the back door, but left the front door open for Hepi to come inside. However, he became "irritated" with the back door being locked and used a spade to force the door open. He then cut electrical chords with a pair of scissors and walked through the house with the baby in his arms, stabbing the scissors into the wall as he walked.

When he realised the victim was on the phone to police he grabbed the phone from her.

When police arrived, Hepi repeatedly told the arresting officer "get off my property or I'll kill you", while holding the baby, Judge Cameron said.

He admitted threatening to kill. He was previously sentenced on wilful damage for the incident.

Judge Cameron sentenced him to two months in prison.