Donald Wayne Williams, 66, appeared in the ACT Supreme Court for sentencing on Thursday after pleading guilty to using an offensive weapon likely to endanger life.

He also asked the court to take into account additional offences, including common assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

The court heard Williams, who had separated from his wife six months beforehand, had been depressed and struggling to cope with his recent retirement.

He attended a New Year’s Eve lunch at his former wife’s Tuggeranong home where he became aggressive towards family members after drinking red wine.

Williams grabbed his former spouse by the throat and tried to punch her after she stopped him drink-driving.

Williams then assaulted his daughter before driving away.

Police then went to his Macgregor home about 6pm, but he responded by brandishing a 30-centimetre kitchen knife and threatening to kill officers, warning he would ‘‘cut their balls off and gut them’’.

Williams continued to threaten police, at one point rushing at officers, but retreated inside after he was squirted with capsicum spray.

Police negotiators arrived about 7.40pm, but the defendant refused to surrender.

Williams then threw at police a bottle of clear fluid, which splashed officers, but caused no injuries.

About 9.40pm he produced a plastic bottle filled with methylated spirits with a rag protruding from the top.

The defendant lit the rag with a barbecue lighter and threw it at police, but the bottle missed and landed on the ground, igniting the grass.

Police responded by firing beanbag rounds, which had no effect.

Williams continued to be aggressive over the following hours, throwing at officers a meat cleaver and barbells that struck police shields.

He was arrested after officers stormed the house about 12.30am.

A Supreme Court sentencing on Thursday heard Williams had little recollection of the incident.

A pre-sentence report said Williams had little insight into his behaviour, attempted to minimise his responsibility, and considered himself a victim.

The defence tendered three testimonials from the defendant’s friends, which said the incident was out of character for Williams.

Justice John Burns accepted the behaviour was uncharacteristic and Williams posed a greater risk to himself than others.

Justice Burns said he was satisfied Williams had good prospects of rehabilitation if he received treatment for his mental health problems and abstained from alcohol.

The judge sentenced Williams to nine months’ jail, fully suspended on entering an 18-month good behaviour order.