A man has avoided further time behind bars after an "unprovoked and vicious" hatchet attack on a "person minding his own business" in Civic.
Stephen Williamson was handed a 12-month intensive correction order in the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Williamson, aged 38 and described as "nomadic", had spent more than six months in jail while on remand.
He previously pleaded guilty to intentional wounding, and possessing a knife without a reasonable excuse.
On Wednesday, magistrate Robert Cook described the Northbourne Avenue crime as "an unprovoked and vicious attack on a person minding his own business, talking with friends".
"It is no doubt [a crime] of impulse and opportunity on your part," Mr Cook said speaking directly to Williamson.
"[It was] a vicious attack on a Canberran enjoying an otherwise quiet and peaceful time.
"It was a calculated decision by you to do what you did."
Mr Cook said a sentence served in the community, rather than in jail, would allow Williamson to receive a "high level" of mental health support and help the man reintegrate into society.
"I have no doubt you understand everything that has gone on entirely, so it is up to you, you make the choice," the magistrate stated.
Police documents previously tendered to the court state Williamson approached three men on Northbourne Avenue about 10am in January.
"The defendant was pacing back and forth before he pulled out a hatchet from the front of his vest with his right hand," the documents state.
Williamson was accused of striking one of the men three times with the weapon, with one strike hitting the victim's back and causing an open laceration.
Police officers driving through the corner of Northbourne Avenue and Bunda Street heard someone yelling "f--- off" and saw the three men running towards their car.
"He's got a f---ing machete," one of the victims told police.
An "erratic and irritated" Williamson was soon after stopped by police and found with a "Dune 4WD" hatchet with a braided handle, and a knife of the same brand with a 15-centimetre-long blade.
The three victims were described as "exasperated and rambling" in the document and did not provide an official statement to police.
Williamson ran away from officers and locked himself in a public toilet but eventually came out and was arrested.
