A council worker was taken to hospital after he was attacked by a man who came to collect his dog, a court has heard.
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Robert Beams appeared before the Ballarat Magistrates' Court where he pleaded guilty to punching the council worker in October of last year.
The court heard Beams arrived at the Alfredton RSPCA facility before it had opened, rambling to council staff who had turned up to work about having to pay to collect his dog which had been held there for several days.
Beams tried to gain entry to the office as the staff went inside, and then lunged at the council worker when he was told to wait outside until they were open.
He then punched the staff member in the back of the head as he fell to the floor. The victim was later taken to hospital with a dislocated shoulder.
Beams was later arrested, but not before attempting to slam his door on police, the court heard.
Beams also faced a number of other charges after he was intercepted drink-driving in an unregistered car which was not fitted with an interlock system as his licence required.
Beams' legal representative told the court things were difficult for her client at the time.
The lawyer said the two-year anniversary of the disappearance of Beams' brother played a role in the escalation of his drinking at the time.
But she said while alcohol was still a problem, her client had taken steps to address the issue including enrolling in a drug-rehabilitation program.
Sentencing has been deferred to August 8 to allow Beams to participate in the rehabilitation program.