Damien Johnston, 53, was also found in possession of a second sword and a hunting knife when police searched him after confronting the would-be attacker out the front of a Canadian home on April 21. 

Johnston pleaded guilty to weapon and driving charges in the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Tuesday and was jailed due to the offending breaching a current suspended sentence he was subject to. 

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Steve Kent said Johnston told police he had been at the house to confront a man who had been avoiding him over an alleged $5000 debt. The court heard Johnston also admitted to being drunk at the time. 

Senior Constable Kent detailed other offending in which Johnston, who does not have a licence, was caught drink-driving and refused to accompany police for an evidentiary breath test. 

A defence solicitor said Johnston had been homeless at the time of the incident and that the other weapons found were not intended to be used. The lawyer said Johnston had led “a life characterised by alcohol”.

Sentencing Johnston, magistrate Ann Collins said the incident with the weapon could have ended in disaster. 

Johnston’s licence was also cancelled and disqualified for four years.