The senior constable, the Wodonga Magistrates Court has heard, was once a decorated police officer with a promising career before his life went off the rails.

The man, who lives in the Wodonga region, pleaded guilty to unlawful assault following the 2019 attack.

Magistrate Peter Dunn said it was a concerning offence but suppressed the man's name due to concerns about his mental state and impact of media reports.

His lawyer James Anderson said the former officer had experienced substantial trauma in his job and now had severe post traumatic stress disorder.

His client went on WorkCover in 2018, was now classed as permanently disabled and retired, and received a disability pension from the police force.

"He has had a distinguished history in Victoria Police which includes him repeatedly putting his life on the line for others in the community," Mr Anderson said.

"When one has regard to his history, and his history of trauma, we can't help but think but for his service this offending wouldn't have happened."

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Mr Dunn said deterring others was an important factor in family violence matters, but his lawyer pointed to his character, lack of history, and mental health issues.

"There is a place for mercy in a case such as this," he said.

The officer had worked in Wodonga, Shepparton and Melbourne, including as a detective, and told the court of being arrested for an accidental breach of an order following the incident.

"I was taken into custody for five hours," he said.

"I was arrested at a police station where I used to work, sat there in a cold room for hours, sat there embarrassed in front of friends and colleagues and released without charge.

"Now I'm supposed to believe that won't happen again?"

He had faced multiple charges but only one charge of assault proceeded.

Senior police figures had considered his suitability for diversion, which would essentially see the matter dismissed with a warning.

Mr Dunn instead ordered a two-year non-conviction undertaking with treatment.

"The court is here to stand with the community," he said on Wednesday.

"All right thinking members of the community condemn family violence in all its shapes and forms.

"Indeed as I was remarking yesterday, the superior courts have sent a clear message that general deterrence should weigh heavily in these types of matters.

"Whilst your behaviour was frankly appalling, it comes on the back of difficulties created in your career in terms of your own health, and it's regrettable that you weren't able to recognise and attend to those issues prior to the unfortunate events that occurred."