A Queensland man who used a sharpened machete to threaten a couple in a 15-minute reign of terror has been sentenced to jail.
Shane Trevor McLachlan, 45, forced his way into the pair's house, wielding the 60cm machete at a bathroom door when they tried to hide on September 25, 2018.
Drunk on half a bottle of bourbon and under the influence of four anti-depressant tablets, McLachlan was aggressive, angry and emotional.
He sharpened the machete on a stone before going to James Hemsley's house at Amity Point on North Stradbroke Island, off Brisbane.
The terrifying attack was sparked by an "irrational fixation" with Mr Hemsley after the pair had a falling out, Justice Susan Brown says.
McLachlan yelled at Mr Hemsley and his wife from outside before forcing his way into their home.
When they hid in the bathroom, he struck the door with the machete during a 15-minute attack.
Mr Hemsley was struck in the face when McLachlan managed to open the door.
The ordeal was brought to an end by an off-duty policeman who was on holiday and heard the altercation.
Other officers arrived, threatening McLachlan with a Taser during the struggle to arrest him.
It was by luck Mr Hemsley suffered only superficial injuries in the attack, although he was left with scars on his face, Justice Brown said in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Thursday.
She said McLachlan's actions had caused fear and terror in the small community of Amity Point.
Justice Brown sentenced McLachlan to a head sentence of seven-and-a-half years in jail.
She told the court she took into account his genuine remorse and guilty plea.
McLachlan will be eligible for parole on March 31, 2022.
Australian Associated Press
