A Bendigo magistrate has told a man who bashed his partner that he came very close to being locked up for his crimes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The court heard an argument erupted between the 38-year-old and his partner when she told him she was ending the relationship, after he refused to help her carry shopping inside.
The man pushed the woman onto a couch, got on top of her and put his hands around her neck.
When she grabbed his testicles to stop him, the man punched the woman in the head.
The assault continued, with the man pushing the woman into a wall and down the steps at the entry to the house.
More court news: Drug dealer jailed on third trafficking offence
At one point he again pushed her onto the couch, snapped her glasses in half and punched her in the head multiple times, causing a laceration to her forehead.
The man left the home, but on the way punched a turtle tank, causing it to smash and leak water.
When arrested, the man told police he punched the woman once, and indicated she must have suffered her injuries when she swung a powerboard at him.
The man pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to recklessly causing injury and criminal damage.
His lawyer, Natalie Perera, said her client was so distressed and disgusted by his own behaviour he had seen a counsellor and begun engaging with the men's behaviour change program.
She said he had no prior criminal history and the assault was "out of character".
More court news: Bendigo police officer admits to misconduct
But magistrate Sharon McRae said the man's actions warranted a jail term.
It was only when Ms Perera urged the magistrate to show some leniency, given the man's guilty plea and the steps he had taken to address his behaviour, that Ms McRae considered another option and ordered him to be assessed for a community corrections order.
"I need [the man] to understand, you're so close to going to jail today, it's not funny," Ms McRae said.
She said being a first-time offender did not mean jail was not deserved.
But the magistrate said the fact the man had sought help was a "big tick" and there were no allegations he had breached an intervention order since put in place to protect the victim.
The man's sentence will be finalised later this month.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
