A man who held police at bay during a 12-hour siege west of Brisbane because no-one called on his birthday has been jailed for six months.

Ashley Martin Hurst, 32, pleaded guilty in the Brisbane District Court to three counts of serious assault and one count of going armed in public so as to cause fear.

Judge Helen O'Sullivan today said Hurst's actions at an Ipswich residence warranted imprisonment, as he had caused great distress to the police, who he had tried to provoke into killing him.

"In my view the circumstances warrant a custodial sentence," Judge O'Sullivan said.

She acknowledged Hurst had a history of mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse problems, which the defence claimed was the reason for his actions.

The court was told Hurst brandished knives and taunted police on June 22, 2006 during the siege.

"I'm told the reason you did this is no-one rang you on your birthday," Judge O'Sullivan said.

"Those who threaten police officers must expect custody."

Judge O'Sullivan said the officers' torment was compounded by the fact they had a duty to remove a child from the premises.

She said one young constable who had been involved in the siege had left the police service following the incident.

Hurst was sentenced to six months jail and two years probation.