Christopher Lawrence Boardman, 32, of Graham Drive, appeared before Bathurst Local Court magistrate Kevin Hockey, who convicted him, placed him on an 18-month Community Corrections Order and fined him $350.

Boardman, who appeared in person and unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the assault.

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He told Mr Hockey that he took full responsibility for his actions, and said he could have handled the situation better.

When Mr Hockey asked what caused the incident, Boardman told the court he and the victim were usually very close and he had too much alcohol on the day.

Police facts tendered to the court told how Boardman and the victim had been celebrating Christmas Day, which was also Boardman's birthday, drinking since 10am.

Later that night, the victim was on the front lawn when Boardman approached him and punched him with a closed fist three or four times to the back of the head, according to the police facts.

Police were called and, when they arrived, they said Boardman continued to punch the victim in the face. The victim did not retaliate.

Boardman was subsequently arrested.

Boardman told the court the incident "was embarrassing" and something he would like to forget.

In regards to concerns about previous matters of violence on his record, Boardman told the court this was his first matter in a long time.

"It's been about 10 years, and I've grown as a person since those days," he said.

He told the court being in a cell at Bathurst Police Station on Christmas Day and his birthday was not where he wanted to be.

He said he spent time reflecting on what had happened while he was in custody.

Mr Hockey told the accused they were serious charges, noting he repeatedly punched the victim, including when police were present.