Saw mill worker Cameron, of Montrose Street, Brechin, was initially charged with attempted murder but his admission to the lesser charge of assault to severe injury and the danger of life was accepted.

The attack took place just months after Cameron brandished a knife at officers in a separate incident. He was jailed for 90 days for the September 2008 offence.

Lord Uist, at the High Court in Edinburgh, said today the similarity between the two incidents caused him “serious concern” and he jailed Cameron for five years and four months.

Imposing an extended sentence, the judge said Cameron — who has a history of mental instability — would also be supervised for three years upon release.

Lord Uist branded Cameron’s conduct “wholly intolerable” and said the court must do all it can to protect police officers.

The judge previously heard police were called to reports of a domestic disturbance in the early hours. Cameron had thrown furniture around his home, struck a settee with a knife and jumped on top of a car.

The hearing was told how Cameron lashed out towards PC Linton. The officer felt one of the first blows strike him on his back near his kidneys, and he realised he had been stabbed.

PC Linton tried to grab Cameron, but the attacker continued to lash out, cutting him on the head and arms.

Another officer, PC Mark Reid, used CS spray to end the attack. PC Linton was taken to Ninewells Hospital, in Dundee, where he was treated for three stab wounds and scratches on his head. PC Reid suffered cuts to his arm.

When questioned by police, Cameron said, “I think I was out with the wife. I think there had been problems in the marriage. I think all night she had been constantly winding me up and then I just snapped.”

He also told officers, “I remember lashing out at the police officer with the knife. There was no just cause for it, you know. There was no excuse.”