Jaymie Hutchins, 26, pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to an assault charge in relation to the incident at the hotel on December 6.

The court heard Hutchins was at the pub for two hours with friends when his girlfriend arrived to bring them more money at 7pm.

When entering the hotel, the woman walked through the main doors at the same time as the victim and three of his friends, who were leaving.

Prosecutor Sergeant Mark Snell said one of the men was believed to allow the woman through the door first, telling her it was because "you're prettier than us".

She told Hutchins and his friends about the encounter, causing them to shout at the four men calling them "paedophiles" and saying they "only let her through first to perve".

One of the men turned and challenged them on the comments, resulting in a confrontation with one of Hutchins' friends from either side of a small wall.

Sergeant Snell said the victim stood between the two as Hutchins jumped the wall and punched the victim in the face.

The victim lost consciousness and struck the bitumen with the back of his head.

The court heard he remained unconscious for between one and two minutes, while Hutchins remained at the scene to talk to police.

The council for the defence told the court there were elements of self defence, as the victim had "taken his teeth out and put them in his pocket, then raised his hands".

He said Hutchins felt instant remorse, as he had remained at the scene and was concerned for the welfare of the man.

Sergeant Snell said it was still an unprovoked attack and the man was lucky he only sustained a minor graze to his head.

"Everyone knows how serious just one punch can be," he said.

Magistrate Patrick Southey said it was a case of "misplaced loyalty" by Hutchins, who felt he had to "defend the honour" of his girlfriend.

He said it was not just a case of "mindless street violence".

"This wasn't just a mindless attack like we see on the streets of Bendigo from time to time," Mr Southey said.

"(This can be) distinguished with drunken thugs full of bourbon and coke just looking for trouble.

"Single punches can be catastrophic. You made a bad judgement call, through some kind of misguided chivalry."

He said Hutchins would have received a prison sentence had he not pleaded guilty to the charge.

Hutchins received a conviction and was placed on a two year community corrections order where he will receive treatment for alcohol abuse and mental health problems.

He was also made to carry out 400 hours of community work.