Two police officers were violently attacked when they were called out to an incident when a woman was assaulted, a court has heard.
Darren Stewart pulled a eight inch long knife on one constable who cut his hand trying to defend himself, it was said.
Stewart went beserk when police used an PAVA “incapacitant” spray, a form of pepper spray, on him.
The 31-year-old, latterly of North Tolsta, Lewis, was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to assaulting his wife and the police officers.
Stornoway Sheriff Court was told the accused phoned 999 on the evening of Thursday 28 April last year to say he had hit his wife.
Officers went to his house at Carnan Park, Shawbost, on the west side of Lewis where Stewart was “immediately aggressive” when told he was being detained, said procurator fiscal, Karen Smith.
He took off his T-shirt and challenged the police to fight.
Using PAVA spray seem to calm him down and he held out his hands as if inviting the police to handcuff him.
But he lunged at the male constable, punching his face repeatedly with both fists, knocking him down, straddling him and hitting his head off the floor many times, said the fiscal.
The female officer sprayed more liquid on Stewart but with no effect, and he continued punching her colleague on the head, the court heard.
Stewart then forced the female officer to the ground, punching her time after time before jumping on top of her and repeatedly smacking her head against the wooden floor.
Stewart then produced a knife he had on him and thrust it at the male officer who cut his hand trying to defend himself.
Both officers were injured and off work for “some considerable time” following the “traumatic experience,” she added.
Solicitor Luke O’ Curry insisted “malice or forethought” was not part of Stewart’s behaviour.
Imposing a three year prison sentence, Sheriff David Sutherland said: “There is no way the courts can tolerate an assault like this, particularly by someone under the influence of alcohol and with young children in the premises.”
He added: “Police were called by yourself and they have a duty to attend and they must be offered the protection of the courts.”