Man jailed for swinging machete at police officer
The police officer who was threatened with the machete said the attack had a "profound" effect on him (stock image)
- Published
A man who swung a machete at a police officer as he was being arrested has been jailed for two and a half years.
Joshua Bentley, 34, was already on bail for various offences against West Yorkshire Police officers when the incident took place in November.
Bradford Crown Court heard he brandished two other blades during the attack on Buck Mill Lane, in the Thackley area of the city.
Ahead of Thursday's sentencing Bentley pleaded guilty to a string of offences, including malicious communications, assaulting an emergency worker and threatening the officer.
'Pround effect'
Defending Bentley, Samuel Sharp said his client understood his behaviour was "utterly reprehensible".
Mr Sharp added that Bentley, who was then living on a boat on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, had reflected on his actions while on remand for seven months and now needed professional help.
"He does wish to return to his canal boat," said Mr Sharp.
The officer involved in the machete incident said he had feared for his life and the incident had "had a profound effect" on him.
Bentley had previously told a police call handler he was "an inch off killing" another officer.
Following his arrest for that offence, in September 2022, he tried to headbutt a different officer.
In January 2023 Bentley sent multiple threatening text messages to an officer including threats to stab or shoot them.
After going to the police station to be interviewed, he became agitated and grabbed an officer's shirt, pulling off off two buttons.
Bentley, who has previous convictions for stalking, harassment and inflicting grievous bodily harm, said he never intended to carry out the threats.
The court heard he had felt angry and frustrated at apparently not being listened to.
Recorder David Kelly also made Bentley subject to a five-year criminal behaviour order restricting his use of the 999 and 101 phone numbers and prohibiting him from using abusive, insulting or aggressive words towards call handlers.
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