A knifeman who attacked two police officers in his home is beginning a 14-month jail term.

John Blanchard, aged 41, of Peel, was convicted of affray following a two-day trial at the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

Constables Katrina Keeling and Jon Penman were attacked when they responded to a domestic disturbance at an address in Peel on the night of Saturday, June 10, last year,

When they arrived, they were confronted by a drunk, irate and aggressive man.

Blanchard grabbed a 5.5ins-long knife from a kitchen drawer in close proximity to Constable Penman, who feared for his personal safety.

The Constable instinctively grabbed hold of the hand holding the weapon and his colleague, who was in an adjoining room with a woman and a 13-year-old child, came to his assistance.

There was a struggle which lasted two to five minutes with Blanchard ignoring the officers’ commands to drop the knife.

Constable Keeling had to press the emergency button on her radio and shout ’knife, knife’ to get back-up to come to the address.

The man was eventually subdued by the use of Pava incapacitant spray, and arrested.

At his trial, Deemster Alastair Montgomerie commended both officers for their bravery.

Chief Constable Gary Roberts has also awarded the two constables a commendation for their bravery.