Police allege Jacob Ford grabbed the victim by the back of his shirt and punched him to the face outside the Woolworths Ballarat supermarket at 3.30pm.

The victim fell and Ford allegedly continued to punch him as members of the public came to help.

Paramedics attended and the victim was taken to hospital.

The victim attended Ford's first court appearance at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Thursday with visible facial injuries, including swollen eyes.

The court was told the victim received a broken nose and right cheekbone, and he will require surgery.

The victim said he was on his mobile phone at the time of the incident.

Ford was allegedly on bail for three matters, including trafficking and possessing methylamphetamine and burglary.

Defence lawyer Manny Brennan sought a sentence indication from the court, saying Ford's fourth child was due to be born in March and he had family support.

Magistrate Leonard Brear said a jail sentence was not out of the question, followed by a community correction order.

"(It was an) unprovoked assault of an enormous nature which has sustained serious injuries," Mr Brear said.

"He is facing a sentence of imprisonment with a community correction order to follow."

Mr Brennan rejected the sentence indication and applied to adjourn the case for a further mention.

The court made an intervention order preventing Ford from committing violence against the victim. Ford, whose pregnant partner and father were in court, consented to the 12-month order with admissions.

He was remanded in custody until March 2. Ford is facing one charge of recklessly causing injury and bail offences.