Scott Elmes, 39, of Wanstead Street, punched his partner in the face as she lay in bed after arguing over lights, the Warrnambool Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday. 

Elmes pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful assault. 

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Nathan Brown said Elmes struck his partner following an argument on June 8.

“The accused followed the victim to the front of the house. The accused locked the front door to the property,” Senior Constable Brown said. 

The victim had sought help from a neighbour and contacted police following the incident. 

“When asked for a reason (for the assault), the accused said ‘no reason, I was just out of line’,” Senior Constable Brown said.

Defence counsel Xavier Farrelly said the incident happened late at night and was sparked because Elmes was angry over the victim leaving the lights and television on. 

“He realises he may have lost his relationship going forward,” Mr Farrelly said. He said his client had struggled to find work and was now on Newstart payments. 

Magistrate Andrew Capell said the accused appeared to lash out at others when stressed. 

“I’m trying to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone again, let alone your partner,” he told Elmes. 

Elmes was convicted and sentenced with a 12-month community corrections order imposed, requiring treatment in a men’s behavioural change program. 

The magistrate also imposed a 12-month intervention order barring Elmes from making contact with the victim or her children.