A Canberra man who grabbed a six-year-old girl and threatened her mother during a terrifying home invasion in February has been sentenced to four years' jail.
Benjamin Wicks, 26, admitted in the ACT Supreme Court to smashing through the house's glass door before holding a knife to the mother's neck as he forced her to sit on his lap.
Wicks was charged with using an offensive weapon, aggravated burglary and property damage and on Friday pleaded guilty to all charges.
Prosecutors told the court Wicks left blood all over the house after being cut during the break-in.
In their victim impact statements, the couple told of their ongoing trauma, and how their daughter remained fearful in her own home despite them changing her bedroom.
The girl's mother had since spent time in hospital, suffering post traumatic stress disorder.
Justice Michael Elkaim acknowledged the role Wicks' abuse of alcohol and cocaine had played in the crime.
"There is little doubt he was suffering a substance-induced psychosis," Justice Elkaim said.
But he said:
"This does not mitigate the absolute terror suffered by the family as he held a six-year-old child."
Wicks was assessed for restorative justice but the case was not deemed suitable.
Justice Elkaim rejected suggestions he should be allowed to serve his sentence in the community.
Wicks was sentenced to four years behind bars, with a two-year non-parole period.
He will be eligible for release in 2020.
