A MAN who bashed his partner after she told him she was ending the relationship has avoided jail time.
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The 38-year-old was sentenced in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to a 12-month community corrections order and 200 hours of community service.
He has also been ordered to pay $279 in compensation.
Earlier this month the court heard the man had grabbed his partner around her neck, pushed her, and punched her multiple times to the head after she told him she was leaving the relationship.
He also punched a turtle tank at the property where the incident took place, causing it to smash and leak water.
The 38-year-old pleaded guilty to recklessly causing injury and criminal damage.
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Magistrate Sharon McRae said the only reason he avoided prison was because he had demonstrated he had begun rehabilitation.
Defence lawyer Natalie Perera submitted the man should be sentenced without a conviction because he pleaded guilty and had no prior convictions.
But Ms McRae said a conviction was warranted given the seriousness of the charges.
"I think you're very lucky not to go to jail," Ms McRae said. "In the light of day, it was fairly disgraceful behaviour.
"It was an abuse of trust in the relationship. The community does not accept violence of that nature wherever it is.
"The fact that you have started your rehabilitation shows your remorse. That is the only reason why you are not going to jail."
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