A mentally unwell man who described himself as a "sorcerer" broke a Wangaratta policeman's ribs when officers tried to speak to him.
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Damien Stone, 27, will not go to jail as part of Victoria's mandatory sentencing laws for assaults on emergency workers, after police agreed it was not necessary because the assault was related to his mental health issues.
He was sentenced to a good behaviour bond with the condition to continue his mental health treatment and pay $500 to the court fund, after appearing in Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Thursday to plead guilty to a lesser assault charge.
Police were called at about 4.30am on November 19 last year after complaints Stone had demanded cigarettes from people at a Reginald Court house.
Prosecutor Stuart Prichard said officers tried to take a "softly, softly approach with open hands" when approaching him, then his demeanor changed.
"He has become delusional, identifying himself as a sorcerer," he said.
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Stone swung multiple punches at the male Leading Senior Constable, which caused two broken ribs and a ruptured tendon in his thumb that required surgery.
The female officer used capsicum spray on Stone twice with minimal effect, then armed her taser, before he calmed down and was handcuffed and arrested.
The incident was recorded on the officers' body-worn cameras.
A psychological report found Stone suffered from schizophrenia and psychotic illness.
His solicitor Geoff Clancy said Stone is now on different medication, has cut back on drinking alcohol and understands he cannot treat police that way.
"He was unwell at the time that this occurred," he said.
Stone had a limited criminal history.
The injured officer has since recovered and returned to full duties.
