Adam Burgess, 34, of Manifold Street, pleaded guilty in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court yesterday to recklessly causing injury. 

Magistrate Ron Saines said the case was a serious example of domestic violence. “It’s hard to think of a more serious case than headbutting in the presence of three- and two-year-olds,” he said.

The magistrate said as well as causing physical injury, Burgess had intimidated his partner after consuming a huge quantity of alcohol.

He said Burgess had accepted responsibility for his actions and had no prior convictions for violence. 

“You and the community may be better off if there is an emphasis on treatment for your alcohol abuse,” Mr Saines said.

Burgess was ordered to complete a 12-month CCO and 100 hours of community work, with conditions he undertake assessment, treatment and programs as directed.

Police alleged that at 5.15pm on Monday this week Burgess was intoxicated at his Manifold Street home when his partner of six years returned home.

They argued over the care of their two children aged two and three years old.

Burgess was alleged to have verbally abused his partner and then headbutted her to the nose in front of their two-year-old son which caused bleeding.

When the woman went to a bathroom, Burgess further attacked her and she tried to fight him off by scratching and punching him. 

The accused man responded by continuing to punch his partner to the head and body.

The woman then left and went to a family member’s home. She suffered injuries to her face, head, arms, back and neck and successfully applied for an intervention order against Burgess.

Police alleged that Burgess abused his partner daily and there had been domestic violence between them in the past.

Burgess admitted placing his hands around his partner’s neck but said he did so just to keep her on the ground.