The 26-year-old, who cannot be named to protect the victim’s identity, contested six charges in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

The victim was required to give evidence to the court while the offender was present in the room, after the court’s remote facilities failed.

She described an evening in February last year, when the man arrived at her house and began to drink from a cask of wine.

After a conversation in the backyard, the man attempted to kiss the woman’s neck before he was pushed away.

A short time later he grabbed the woman’s breast and buttocks before he left the house, when he was told to “get out”. The woman sent a text message to her son – the offender’s best friend – who arrived soon after.

The offender attempted to re-enter the house again before he left for a second time.

The woman had extensive bruising to her breasts the following day.

The offender denied committing the indecent assault, and said he believed the woman only wanted him to leave because he was drunk and she was fearful of him.

He told the court he was attempting to “comfort” the woman.

Magistrate Michael King dismissed the man’s evidence, and said there was sufficient evidence for him to be convicted of indecent assault.

Dr King said it was “serious offending”.

“Your actions were serious and could have a long-lasting impact for the woman involved,” he said.

“I accept you were seriously affected by alcohol, but that is no excuse for your actions.”

The man was convicted of three charges and sentenced to 63 days in jail, which he has already served.

He was placed on a 15-month community corrections order with 150 hours of unpaid community work, and treatment for alcohol abuse.

He must also complete a sex offender’s program.