Brendan Tighe, 46, pleaded guilty to unlawful assault at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Steve Repac told the court Tighe and the victim argued about a broken door at the victim's home in October, two weeks after they had separated.

He said Tighe became angry, stood over the victim and strangled her with both hands until she could not breathe.

The court heard Tighe then held the victim down with one hand and attempted to punch her face multiple times, stopping just above her head.

Tighe then left the house and the victim called police.

The court was shown photos of red markings on the victim's neck that police took on the day of the incident.

Defence lawyer Mark Martoccia said it was clear from the outset this was 'serious offending' in the context of family violence, but he asked for a sentencing deferral to allow Tighe to engage in a men's behaviour change program and get back on his medication.

Mr Martoccia said Tighe was diagnosed with paranoia schizophrenia and had not taken his medication for two months at the time of the offending.

"He instructs there has not been incidents similar to this in past significant relationships. It is not an excuse, but he said this partner has children with needs who have a disability and he found it stressful," Mr Martoccia said.

Magistrate Gregory Robinson said he would not consider a sentencing deferral as it would not express the community's 'abhorrence' of this kind of conduct.

"He is 46-years-old so he has had plenty of time in his life to learn how to behave himself," Mr Robinson said.

"He has now come to this court on six occasions. He is someone who can not rely on good character.

"At the end of the day he has held a woman down by the throat like some kind of animal.

"The sentence can only be a term of imprisonment if the court is going to meet community expectations on this."

Tighe was sentenced to 21 days jail.

He applied for an appeal and was released on appeal bail in the afternoon.