A YAMBUK man who choked and headbutted his partner has been fined.
Benjamin Jennings, 28, of Henshaws Road, pleaded guilty in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court to unlawful assault and two charges of recklessly causing injury.
The court heard on one occasion Jennings pushed his partner into a wall and she fell on a clothes horse and scraped her arm, with the cut requiring stitches.
On another occasion Jennings slapped the woman and then choked and headbutted her.
Defence counsel Jonathan Makary said Jennings had no prior convictions and had met the woman two years ago after he moved back from Darwin.
The couple have a baby together and there were other children at the woman’s home.
Mr Makary said the house had been a very stressful environment. He said Jennings had attended counselling and had issues with his temper and anger.
He said the victim wished to make a statement that the matter not proceed.
Magistrate Ron Saines said resorting to physical violence was to be denounced.
He said the community, parliament, police and Department of Human Services were overwhelmed with cases of domestic violence and many looked to the courts to send a strong message of deterrence.
Mr Saines said all families would have frustrations which took them to the end of their patience.
He said Jennings had engaged in physical violence and he had little doubt Jennings would have a physical advantage over his partner.
Jennings was convicted and fined $1300.
