A BENDIGO man who repeatedly choked his partner and punched her in the head has been jailed for six months.
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The 34-year-old man appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court last week where he pleaded guilty to charges including recklessly causing injury and wilful damage.
The court heard on August 17, the man was at his partner's house in contravention of a family violence intervention order.
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About 5.15pm, the woman was packing to go to a rehabilitation facility when the man became angry because he believed she was instead going to cheat on him.
A verbal argument ensued and the man ripped the cords from a CCTV camera. He also picked up a speaker and threw it into the floor.
The court heard the man punched the woman to the head and face multiple times. He then put his hands around her neck and squeezed until she could not breathe.
A neighbour called 000 after hearing the victim screaming for the man to leave. The man fled the scene before the police arrived.
The woman was treated for injuries including bruising to her head and face.
The offending followed another incident on September 25 last year where the man punched a television and choked his ex-partner.
The court heard the man also held her head down, before spitting on her and biting her arm.
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Defence lawyer Rebecca Heley told the court the man had already served 102 days of pre-sentence detention.
Ms Heley said the 34-year-old had an intellectual disability, ADHD, and a possible acquired brain injury, which would make his time in custody more challenging.
But the defence lawyer conceded that jail was the only appropriate sentence. Ms Heley said a straight prison term would be best because the man would be unable to comply with a corrections order.
Magistrate Patrick Southey said the family violence was "terrible" but a shorter jail term was more appropriate because of the man's personal circumstances.
Mr Southey said a corrections order would be a "complete waste of time", given the man's extensive list of prior convictions.
"You've been one of our best customers in recent years," Mr Southey said. "It's probably best for you and best for the community that I leave you (in jail) forever."
But Mr Southey said he would instead sentence the man to six months in prison, with 102 days of pre-sentence detention reckoned as already served.
"This relationship has not been good for her or for you," the magistrate said. "Maybe it would be best if you gave girlfriends a rest for a while."
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, the Centre for Non-Violence is available on 1800 884 292. Safe Steps is a 24-hour statewide crisis line, available on 1800 015 188.
If you or someone else is in danger, call 000.
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