Joshua John Kleeman, 30, thanks police for saving his life after they shot him six times in standoff

A man who survived being shot six times by police after threatening an officer with a knife has thanked them for saving his life. Read what he said in court.

Joshua John Kleeman, 29, sentenced after surviving being shot by police six times.

A man who survived being shot six times by police after threatening them with a knife on the northern Gold Coast has thanked officers for saving his life.

Joshua John Kleeman was shot in the stomach, thigh, knee and foot outside a Coomera home in August last year when police came to conduct a welfare check.

Police prosecutor Matt Thompson told Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday the 30-year-old was spotted by an officer through a window at the property on Bellagio Crescent brandishing a large kitchen knife forcing them to retreat.

The scene at the time on Bellagio Crescent, Coomera. Picture: Andrew Potts

“Police issued clear and repeated verbal commands to the defendant not to exit the dwelling in possession of the knife,” Mr Thompson said.

“Ignoring police commands, the defendant kicked open the security screen door and exited the dwelling in possession of the knife.”

Kleeman, who was in the courtroom for sentencing, was visibly shaking as Mr Thompson recounted how he had approached an officer with the knife, held it above their head and made threatening motions.

“With fear of death or grievous bodily harm (the officer) discharged four shots from his service firearm, and two further officers discharged one shot from their firearms.”

Two of the bullets struck Kleeman in the lower stomach, one punctured his left thigh just above the knee, while another was lodged in his foot. Officers rendered first aid before he was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital and placed in a coma for seven days.

Kleeman spent weeks recovering in hospital, during which time he was charged by police.

He initially faced seven charges over the incident and another in Helensvale early last year in which he was non-compliant with police. However, two charges were dropped at the sentencing on Thursday, with the police prosecution acknowledging mental health “looms large”.

Joshua Kleeman, 29, leaving Southport Magistrates Court after his first appearance in May 2022. Picture: Jessica Paul

Kleeman’s lawyer, Campbell McCallum said the father-of-two had “descended into a very dark place” and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope and has little recollection of the incident.

“He is clearly distraught and remorseful for his actions. To the extent that he offers his appreciation and thanks the police officers for what he says was saving his life,” Mr McCallum said.

“He’s been abstinent from any illicit drugs. He’s been abstinent from alcohol ever since the incident.”

Mr McCallum said his client has been undergoing treatment for his mental health and substance addiction. He is also working towards rehabilitation and has been trying to gain employment.

“He’s finding it difficult to get past the first hurdle, a quick Google search of his name. He is remaining confident with perseverance.”

Kleeman plead guilty to possessing a knife and being drunk in a public place, as well as obstructing and assaulting police. He was given a 12-month sentence and granted immediate parole. He will have to complete 40 hours of unpaid community service and not commit further offences.