David Kaukare, 23, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was convicted and fined $1500.

He was also served an alcohol exclusion notice for a period of two years, preventing him from attending any licensed premises.

The court heard he shared five bottles of wine with the female victim at their Warrnambool home on Saturday.

The victim told the man he'd had enough to drink.

Kaukare became angry and punched her to the face, resulting in swelling and bruising to the left eye.

The court heard the pair worked together at Warrnambool's Midfield Meat.

The victim attended work on Tuesday, a supervisor observed the bruising to her eye and the incident was reported to police.

Kaukare was arrested and during a police interview, he admitting to striking the victim.

Lawyer Xavier Farrelly said Kaukare was employed at Midfield Meat about two weeks ago.

He said Kaukare spoke limited English and his literacy skills were particularly low.

Mr Farrelly said Kaukare previously lived in Vanuatu but had moved to Australia when work decreased due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He said his client was building a home in Vanuatu for his extended family.

Mr Farrelly said Kaukare's employment was in significant jeopardy.

He said Kaukare was keen to return to Vanuatu when his visa expired in May next year.

Magistrate Mark Stratmann said the behaviour was totally unacceptable and that people had the right to be safe from violence.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: