Kyle Jo-Alan Quayle, 24, was subdued with capsicum spray and taken into custody after the violence erupted at 6.30pm on October 26.

Police said Quayle's uncle came to the station to report an incident that had occurred earlier in the day.

Quayle followed in a highly aggressive state and swung a closed fist at his uncle, punching him on the bridge of the nose.

The older man lost his balance and fell against the police station counter as members of the public took refuge in the hallway.

The victim was hit again and stumbled to the front door in a disorientated state.

Quayle lashed out with another punch as police intervened. Quayle broke free and ran from the police station, striking his uncle on the way.

Police used capsicum spray during a short pursuit. Quayle ran back into the police station and was restrained and handcuffed on the foyer floor.

The court heard Quayle was hostile and violent towards police. He spat and urinated in the police station dock.

Quayle pleaded guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appeared in Dubbo Local Court via video link from Wellington Correctional Centre.

Magistrate Andrew Eckhold described the offence as incomprehensible.

The court heard Quayle had an extensive criminal history in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

A solicitor from the Aboriginal Legal Service said her client had been binge drinking since the age of 15.

"He has no capacity to drink alcohol in moderation," the solicitor said.

"When he drinks, he drinks to excess and behaves stupidly. He drinks until all the alcohol is gone and then goes looking for more."

The solicitor said Quayle had been raised in an area notorious for alcohol and drug abuse and domestic violence.

"He has been out on his own since 16," the solicitor said.

"He has travelled around Australia, living with anyone who will take him in.

"A cousin in Dubbo is willing to have him and help him attempt to stabilise his life.

"He is willing to work with Correctives Services to address his alcohol problems."

Magistrate Eckhold said the assault was a matter for full-time jail to be served forthwith.

"He has a history of violence and has been jailed before. This is not his first dance, so to speak."

Magistrate Eckhold said it was staggering that an assault had been committed on the man who took Quayle in.

"It all occurred in the police station where you were inevitably going to be caught," the magistrate said.

Quayle received a 12-month jail sentence with a six-month non-parole period. He will be eligible for release on April 25 next year.

"You need to understand the effects of drinking," Magistrate Eckhold said.

"The law says we are responsible for what we do when intoxicated."