Teens jailed for Boxing Day machete attack

File photo / NZ Herald

Police have welcomed the "lengthy" jail terms handed to two teenage boys who attacked a Hamilton constable with a machete last year.

Constable Andrew Osborn, who narrowly avoided being decapitated in the Boxing Day attack, told the High Court at Hamilton in a statement that he had become "cynical and suspicious of people" following the attack, the Waikato Times reported.

A 14-year-old and his 17-year-old brother, who both have name suppression, were sentenced yesterday on charges of intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The older brother received four years and four months, while his brother received four years, both to serve their sentences at Waikeria Prison's youth unit.

Justice Paul Heath told the court the "ongoing psychological harm" on Constable Osborn the pair had caused was clear and the attack was "one of the worst of its type", the Times reported.

District Commander, Superintendent Win van der Velde, said the sentencing showed the courts were behind a zero tolerance approach to violence.

"This sentencing brings to a close an incident involving two young men who had been drinking for some time at home and had then become embroiled in a domestic dispute," he said.

"It's a scenario encountered all too often, in that our staff arrive to a domestic situation to find those involved turn on them and its something people need to realise cannot and will not be tolerated."

Mr van der Velde said while he acknowledged the lengthy sentences handed down indicated the level of seriousness of the attack, it was also important to note the offenders had taken some responsibility for their actions.

"In this case the maximum term of imprisonment that could have been handed down was seven years.

"Taking a starting point of six years eight months the judge took into account the pair's early guilty pleas, their age and other mitigating features in awarding their sentences.

"While we would prefer not to have to deal with these matters in the first instance when those involved take responsibility for their actions, it is always better for the victims and others linked to what happened to see the matter concluded at the earliest possible instance."

Mr van der Velde said the incident was all the more topical as it happened last December, at the height of the holiday season.

"People can find themselves under a lot more pressure than normal at this time of year with additional bills over Christmas, the possibility of family members living on top of one another for prolonged periods of time and of course a greater than usual level of alcohol consumption.

"If you allow it, before too long things can get on top of you and its important that if you feel like that is occurring you take time out or seek help before things get out of hand."