Nathaniel Baker, 26, appeared in the Ballarat Magistrates' Court for sentencing on Monday following what a magistrate described as "unacceptable" offending against a woman known to him on March 25.

The police prosecutor read the victim's impact statement to the court, which described how the offending had "drastically" changed her life.

"I can't sleep most nights without nightmares or worrying what he might do," the court heard.

She said she was afraid of going out on her own for fear of seeing him and that her personal and social life had changed dramatically.

"I worry and second guess everything I say and do with the thought I might get verbally or physically abused.

"I am constantly flinching when someone gets too close. I have lost trust in a lot of people and it has left me isolated."

She said it had also affected her family, who "didn't think they would ever see [her] again".

Magistrate Noreen Toohey described the case as "really serious family violence offending".

Baker pleaded guilty to a series of charges including reckless conduct endangering serious injury and threatening to destroy property.

The offending was described to the court as "violent and degrading".

The court heard Baker and the woman had argued before he threatened to destroy some of her property.

Threats were made via text messages, including photos of the belongings next to a fire pit, before the woman attended his home to collect her property.

When she arrived Baker "aggressively" confronted her and yelled abusively.

The woman stood between a trampoline and Baker, but in a rage he flipped it over.

The woman ran to her car before Baker kicked and punched it and snatched her keys.

Baker then forced the woman to the ground and wrapped his hands around her neck, strangling her.

He then picked up horse manure and forced it into her mouth and smeared it across her face before driving off in her car.

When he returned, he drove circles around her before moving into the passenger seat and demanded to be driven towards Ballarat.

At one point, when they were driving at 60km/h, Baker grabbed the steering wheel and caused the car to almost collide with a tree.

When he got out of the car at a friend's house, the woman contacted police.

Baker was earlier released on bail, ordered to comply with the Court Integrated Services Program. The court on Monday heard he had engaged well.

Ms Toohey listed Baker's guilty plea, the fact he had no prior criminal history and a favourable report as reasons she was not sending him to prison.

"I never cease to be amazed at the nature and extent of family violence in our community, and this is yet another example of family violence of a very serious nature.

"I don't know what it's going to take to get the message through to the community that this sort of behaviour is totally and utterly unacceptable."

He was sentenced to a "very lengthy" four-year corrections order, which includes assessment for mental health and drug programs, supervision and judicial monitoring.

"If you don't comply or if you commit further offences then you're very likely to attract a jail term," Ms Toohey warned.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14, 1800 RESPECT or Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14, 1800 RESPECT or Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.

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