Shaun Patrick Lawler, also known as Shaun Bennett, has a string of domestic violence priors to his name.

Albury Local Court recently heard the Border resident has been "lashing out at people for a long time" and has received jail terms for his behaviour.

Despite going to rehab - only to be discharged early for breaching rules at the centre - magistrate Richard Funston said he was cynical of any attempts by the 35-year-old to clean up his act.

"I haven't come down in the last shower," he said.

"It's just all talk."

The magistrate flicked through Lawler's criminal history when weighing up a sentence for his latest outburst against his partner of 15 years.

Mr Funston quickly found several examples of violence.

"He's either beating up women or police," he said.

"I mean, he's an absolute thug."

Lawler had been struggling with an ice addiction when he attacked the victim in their unit on August 8 last year.

She had been trying to clean the home but received a "tirade of verbal abuse" from Lawler.

He took a full can of beetroot from the kitchen and threw it into the victim's forehead, causing her instant pain.

Lawler stood over her and punched her in the head two or three times as she tried to cover herself.

He kneed her in the thigh.

The attack continued a short time later as the victim was using the toilet.

Lawler dragged her off by her legs, causing her to land on the floor.

He smashed her car as she tried to leave.

The woman went to her mother's home and the police were called.

They noticed bruising and swelling to the woman's face and forehead.

Lawler later arrived at the home but left when police were notified.

He was arrested by officers as he returned to the Albury home.

The 35-year-old admitted to the incident but said he couldn't remember all of it due to drug use.

Mr Funston said Lawler had served time in jail and breached apprehended violence orders.

"What I'm saying is he's a thug and he treats women appallingly," he said.

Mr Funston imposed an 18-month jail term, which he said Lawler would serve in the community by way of an intensive corrections order.