The attack by Craig Peter Atkinson in January 2013 was described yesterday by Judge Gordon Lerve as “sustained and serious violence”.

“There is a very real need for general deterrence in matters of domestic violence,” Judge Lerve said in the District Court at Albury. “The offender has a truly appalling criminal history.”

Judge Lerve said Atkinson’s criminal history was taken into consideration as a factor of aggravation.

Atkinson, 32, appeared in custody for sentencing on a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Two other more serious charges had been withdrawn.

The court was told Atkinson, who suffers with paranoid schizophrenia, was released on January 22 after spending a short time in jail.

It was about 8pm the same day when he went to the North Albury home of a woman he had been in a relationship with for seven months.

Atkinson was accompanied by another man, who went to the back of the residence and gained entry through an unlocked door.

He opened the front door for Atkinson, who grabbed his former partner around the throat with both hands and choked her. The woman lost consciousness and fell to the floor.

But when she regained consciousness, Atkinson kicked her to the head, legs and back.

Both police and ambulance were called to the scene and she was treated for injuries including a cut above her right eye.

Atkinson’s barrister, Joanne Gallagher, said there had been a significant degree of violence by him.

Judge Lerve imposed a non-parole period of 18 months.

This period was backdated and expired on Tuesday.

Atkinson will be on supervised parole for another 12 months, but remains in custody with bail refused on other pending charges.