A MAN has avoided an immediate prison sentence despite attacking two police officers with weapons in Powys.

Scott Andrew Stephens received a six-month jail term this week for assaulting PC Morris and Sergeant Hughes following an incident in Builth Wells last November – although magistrates suspended the term of imprisonment for 2 years.

West Glamorgan Magistrates' Court in Swansea on Wednesday, August 3, heard that the attacks on the police officers had been committed using weapons by the 34-year-old former Builth resident, who now lives in Swansea.

The attacks on both officers had occurred at Brecon Police Station after Stephens, of Oystermouth Road, Swansea, had been arrested for threatening behaviour in Builth on November 15, 2021. He had previously admitted that charge, as well as the two assaults on emergency workers.

Magistrates delivering their verdict said they had imposed a custodial sentence because the “offences were committed with weapons and injuries were caused to police officers – (as well as the defendant having) previous convictions for similar offences”.

They suspended the sentence for 2 years because they said he had shown he can work with probation.

The six-month term was imposed for the original incident in Builth, with Stephens given another two six-month sentences for each assault – although these terms would be served concurrently.

Stephens was also ordered to pay £120 compensation to each officer, while he will be supervised for 2 years in the community and must complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He must also pay £85 costs.