The Wodonga man, who isn't named to protect the identity of the victim, appeared in Wodonga Magistrates Court this week pleading guilty to the May 4 unlawful assault.

What started as frustration over his daughter not eating her dinner fast enough, quickly moved to an alcohol-fueled attack in front of the couple's two children.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Penny Lawler told the court the wife feared the man would become violent due to his intoxication so decided to lock herself in the bedroom.

"The affected family member opened the door thinking her daughter had knocked but the accused came inside the room," she said.

"The accused placed his foot on her head before placing it on her chest holding her down."

The court heard the victim asked the man to "stop hurting her".

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The woman eventually got away and tried to call police but the man took her phone off her.

She tried to leave the house with the children, but the man grabbed their son and refused to let him leave.

Magistrate Peter Mitham told the man the assault was " the lowest form of respect" towards his wife.

"The attack was disgraceful and you treated her like an animal," he said.

"And you did it in front of your kids."

Mr Mitham said the daughter would be impacted severely by seeing her father disrespect his mother.

"You will tear that young woman's confidence apart and growing up she will retreat around men," he said.

"The family home is meant to be a place of respect and that wasn't what you showed towards your wife and kids.

"We know children who witness violent hold on to that for a long time and has an impact on their adult lives.

Mr Mitham handed the man a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction.

The court heard the man had been living apart from his family for six months. In a character reference the family said they had seen "considerable change" in him since returning in November.