Zac William Phillips, of Fitzroy Street in Geurie, has been sentenced to an 18-month term of imprisonment, with a nine-month non parole period after punching and headbutting a woman.

Phillips was at home with the woman when he became angered on September 12.

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According to court documents, the 28-year-old approached the woman with a closed fist and punched her in the face a number of times before headbutting her, causing immediate pain and bruising.

Phillips then picked up an unknown item and threw it at the victim with force hitting her in the side of the head causing a lump.

Two days later the victim and Phillips went to do some shopping in Wellington, leaving the victim inside the car.

Fearing for her safety, the woman took the opportunity to flee entering into another unknown vehicle informing the driver of the situation.

The driver of the car took the victim to Wellington police station, however there were no police there. The driver contacted police and took the victim to another location waiting for them to attend a short time later.

The victim gave a statement and police took photos.

About 10.45pm on September 18, police attended Dubbo Hospital after they were informed Phillips was being released from a mental health facility.

Appearing in Dubbo Local Court via video link from Bathurst Correctional Centre, Phillips pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Phillips' defence lawyer told the court he had deprivation from an early age witnessing and enduring much violence and anger growing up.

The court heard since the age of four, Phillips had witnessed his father bash his mother, and remembered being first assaulted at the age of seven.

By the age of nine Phillips had begun smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol, and at the age of 14 he began taking speed as it "made him feel good", the court heard.

Phillips' defence lawyer told the court he was remorseful for his actions and was "trying to be a better person".

"He tells me it was appalling, and he shouldn't have treated her that way ... she didn't deserve it," Phillips' defence told the court.

Magistrate Sharon Freund said Phillips was not assisted by his criminal record.

"I'm sorry for the abuse you were subject to as a child, but it's not an excuse," she said.

"When you lose your temper, violence is not the answer."

Magistrate Freund said due to Phillips' criminal history and extensive nature of the assault jail was the only option.

His sentence was backdated to October 2. He will be eligible for release in July 2021.