George Peacock, 52 of Coomes Place, received a community corrections order in Orange Local Court on Monday, which will require him abstain from alcohol for two years. 

According to police, officers attended an Algona Crescent property just before 7pm on September 23 to find Peacock in the backyard in a state of distress. 

Officers tried to calm Peacock, but he became increasingly aggressive, telling them at first to “f… off” and then pointed to a nearby axe, saying “I’ll smash you with this”.

Peacock then charged towards the two officers, forcing one to spray him with capsicum spray and he fell to the ground.

Solicitor John Song said his client’s drinking habit had been fuelled by significant deaths in his family.

“He’s moved [house] with a family member who’s quite strict on him,” he said.

Mr Song said it was a serious charge, but occurred within a short time frame. 

Magistrate David Day noted Peacock admitted he had been an alcoholic since 1990.

“At least he’s honest,” he said. 

“His plea and not picking up the weapon saves him from going to jail – he was well affected by alcohol and out of control.

“He threatened but didn’t take the next step.”

Mr Day said Peacock had demonstrated he was trying to do something about his drinking.

“Whether he has good prospects of rehabilitation, I don’t know, but he has some prospects,” he said.

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