Brendan Andrew McDowell began pushing the woman in the chest.

He then punched her to the left side of the face.

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The impact of the punch caused her to lose her footing, Albury Local Court has heard, and fall backwards.

McDowell, who told magistrate Richard Funston "we haven't spoken since the night", claimed he had acted out of "frustration".

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"It's a pretty nasty assault. What happened?" Mr Funston asked the 41-year-old, who pleaded guilty to a domestic violence-related charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

McDowell, who represented himself in court, did not try to justify his actions but instead expressed his remorse.

"I'm pretty disgusted with myself," he said.

"I've never been in this situation before, never want to again now.

"If I could take it back I would. Obviously, I would."

The court was told McDowell and the victim had been in a relationship for five years.

On the day the assault occurred, on January 8, they were home having a few drinks on what was a child-free weekend.

McDowell wanted to spend some time in his shed away from his partner, who was swimming in their pool.

They then argued.

Police arrived to find the victim being treated by paramedics.

They saw a large amount of swelling to her left brow area and two large red marks on her arm.

She told police that after the punch, McDowell used a phone charger cord to hit her arm.

Both were intoxicated.

McDowell was placed on a 12-month community corrections order.