Mathew Hutchinson, 39, appeared at Horsham County Court on Friday and pleaded guilty to intentionally causing injury.

The court heard Hutchinson assaulted a male neighbour on July 15, 2017 at the victim's home.

The victim answered his front door naked in front of Hutchinson and a 10-year-old child. The court heard Hutchinson then assaulted the victim by striking the man's mouth with his hand. The victim fell to the ground and was "out-cold".

Hutchinson then went to his partner's flat, and the two returned to the victim's home. Hutchinson placed a blanket over the victim and contacted Triple Zero.

The victim was taken to Wimmera Base Hospital in Horsham and was later transferred to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with head injuries, a skull fracture, bruising on the brain and a broken nose.

The court heard the victim had suffered from headaches and dizziness since the assault. The victim had no recollection of the incident, but was fearful of Hutchinson once he found out about the incident.

The court heard at the committal hearing there was contention as to whether Hutchinson used a hammer to assault the victim. The claim was dismissed by both the prosecutor and the defence.

Judge Michael Cahill said it was a "vicious" attack, however noted that Hutchinson got assistance for the victim afterwards.

Mr Cahill said Hutchinson had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder after witnessing two deaths. He also said Hutchinson had abused marijuana and alcohol since the age of 17, and methamphetamine since the age of 21.

"This offending was when he was under the influence of ice and after he hadn't slept for several days," Mr Cahill said.

The court heard Hutchinson had a long list of priors and had received multiple prison sentences in the past for similar offending.

"Sadly prison is a familiar environment for you. We have heard that you have been a model inmate and have undertaken treatment programs offered to you," Mr Cahill said.

Hutchinson was sentenced to a maximum three years in jail, with 660 days already served. He will be eligible for parole after serving two years.

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