Jail for terrifying attack on six-month pregnant woman

A man who repeatedly threatened to harm an unborn child during a savage assault on his six-month pregnant partner has been jailed.

Justin Dixon, 20, was on bail for serious offences when the terrifying attack took place during a group drinking session at Bourke.

Dubbo Local Court was told Dixon began to abuse the 21-year-old victim.

When she tried to walk away he hit her around the head and face, dragged her by the hair, threw her to the ground and kicked her.

Two witnesses were told to go away and mind their own business when they attempted to intervene.

The assault continued as the victim made her way to the backyard and into a paddock.

She was again dragged the ground and punched and kneed in the stomach and head.

The court was told the victim was hit upwards of 20 times.

More witnesses attempted to stop the assault as Dixon told the victim she had brought the attack on herself.

When Dixon began arguing with two men, a woman borrowed a push bike and rode to the police station to report the attack.

The victim was taken to hospital and treated for a range of injuries.

Dixon was arrested on charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and stalk and intimidate.

A Legal Aid solicitor said Dixon had been well affected by alcohol and had limited recall of events.

"He had a difficult upbringing in the presence of alcohol and drug abuse and domestic violence," the solicitor said.

"He started drinking at an early age, encouraged by his family. It got to the point where he drank anything he could get his hands on all day and all night.

"This is his first offence of violence. He is at risk of institutionalisation and is committed to changing his lifestyle."

Magistrate Eckhold said there was an ongoing cycle when children were exposed to domestic violence.

He questioned why there was only a single charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

"The offence was aggravated by the fact he was on bail at the time," the magistrate said.

"The need for general deterrence is so great, an intensive correction order (allowing a jail sentence to be served in the community) would be inadequate.

"I accept he has drug and alcohol issues and was intoxicated at the time. But he must have known what he was doing was wrong.

"This is one of the worst cases of assault occasioning actual bodily harm that I have seen during my time in criminal law."

Dixon was sentenced to two years jail for the assault. A non-parole period of 12 months was set.

A fixed term of three months jail was imposed for the intimidation charge.

Magistrate Eckhold ordered the sentences to be served concurrently.

"I will refer the papers to the Family and Community Services director," the magistrate said.

Dixon appeared in court via video link from Wellington Correctional Centre.