Richard David Heslington pleaded guilty to three charges over the family violence incident and breaching a community corrections order.

The Ballarat Magistrates' Court was told on Wednesday Heslington and the victim had ended their relationship but lived together in separate bedrooms at Wendouree.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Steve Repac said at 1am on July 23, the victim returned to her bedroom and locked the door.

He said Heslington approached the victim's door and said he wanted his bed. She said "not now, I am going out", and he called her offensive names.

Senior Constable Repac said Heslington then told the victim he would punch the f*** out of her and put a knife through her.

He said the man then said he would slash her car tyres before he went outside and punched her passenger side guards three times leaving dents. Heslington tried to fix the damage with glue.

He then approached the victim's window and told her it was her fault.

The court was told Heslington left the address and started text messaging the victim. She received a number of text messages from him, which included an arrangement for other people to hurt her, which put her in fear.

Heslington's Victoria Legal Aid lawyer said the offending occurred in the context of a mental health breakdown. She said Heslington had been in hospital two days after the incident and again in August.

"He has managed his mental health all his life. There was a deterioration in July," the defence lawyer said.

The court was told Heslington had engaged with the Court Integrated Court Services Program, he had limited prior criminal history and he was receiving support in the community.

Magistrate Ron Saines told Heslington his offending was serious because his threatening words intended to assault and demean the victim.

"There was a sense of menace in the words you used," Mr Saines said.

Heslington was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month good behaviour bond which includes a $400 payment to the Ballarat court fund.

He must continue to engage with psychiatric services and Uniting Ballarat for mental health, drug and alcohol abuse.

Heslington's offending breached a community corrections order which he received in February for three drug-driving offences. Mr Saines cancelled the order and fined Heslington $2127.40 which includes costs.

Heslington pleaded guilty to three charges, including criminal damage and making threats.

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