The 26-year-old man, who cannot be named because that could identify the victim, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with assault and family violence offences.

Sergeant Jason Dance, who leads the western region division two family violence unit, said the man and the victim were in an on-and-off-again relationship which broke down in February this year due to the offender's drug use.

He said the man attended the woman's home on Wednesday and was aggressive, demanding her mobile phone so he could read her text messages.

When the victim refused and put the phone in the pocket of her dressing gown, the man allegedly jumped at her.

A scuffle ensued and the pair wrestled on the floor, Sergeant Dance said.

"Frustrated at not being able to retrieve the phone, he poured soft drink on the victim's head and hair," he said.

The court heard the man then allegedly pinned the victim to the ground.

Sergeant Dance said the victim pleaded with the man to stop, stating she couldn't breath and he was going to kill her.

He said the offender laughed and replied "I will kill you".

The court heard the man then went outside for a cigarette and the victim locked him outside before hiding in the bathroom.

But the offender allegedly kicked the front door so many times the latch gave way and he gained access.

He allegedly kicked in the toilet door, barricading the victim inside the toilet.

Sergeant Dance said the incident caused the victim to "have a panic attack and struggle to breathe".

He said the man was later arrested and during an interview, denied the offending.

Lawyer Jess Dean said the man planned to contest the charges.

She said the man had a stable address and employment and that the victim did not live in the south-west and no longer wanted to pursue the relationship.

Magistrate Peter Mellas said the man was facing serious charges but would face "significant delay" before a contested hearing or trial occurred in court.

He said due to the coronavirus, it was likely the matter wouldn't proceed until 2021 and conditions in custody were "less than ideal", with inmates being in 23-hour lockdown, limited education opportunities and no visitation.

He granted the man strict-conditional bail and ordered he appear in court again on April 29 next year.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.