Anthony Bentley, 49, applied for bail at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Friday, claiming his continued detention was not satisfactory given his case was listed for a contested hearing in July.

Bentley, who had a family violence intervention order against him, was allegedly drinking alcohol at his partner’s Sebastopol home in February when he became abusive towards her.

Senior Constable Greg Mitchell said Bentley grabbed the victim by her throat, causing her to stop breathing.

He said the assault escalated outside as the victim tried to call triple zero, with Bentley slapping her and smashing her mobile telephone on the concrete.

Bentley allegedly locked their 18-month-old screaming child in his car, while the victim searched for a tool to help get the child out.

Senior Constable Mitchell said she threw a paint tin in desperation but Bentley punched her several times in the face, causing a split lip. He said the victim hid in the garden and tried to call for help while Bentley drove to Navigators with the child.

Bentley was eventually arrested despite allegedly resisting police, the court was told.

Defence barrister Timothy Sullivan said his client, who has been in custody for almost four months, was contesting the charges and his current time in custody may not be justified.

Magistrate Ron Saines said the prosecution case was strong and Bentley’s offences would likely attract a conviction and sentence.

He refused Bentley’s bail application, saying he was not satisfied there was new facts and circumstances. He will return to court in July.