Driver who chased student paramedic before punching her in the face avoids jail

A man who admitted to chasing a student paramedic before punching her in the face and leaving her with a fractured eye socket has avoided jail.

Joshua Burke, 22, pleaded guilty to a string of charges including intentionally cause injury, damaging property and possessing cannabis.

"I wrestled with this sentencing decision," Melbourne magistrate Johanna Metcalf said today.

"The behaviour was unacceptable and a very, very poor decision was made."

Burke was convicted and ordered to serve a 24-month community corrections order, with 300 hours of community service and to engage in programs to assist his rehabilitation.

He was also fined $500 for possessing cannabis and box cutters.

The victim's father, Ed, slammed the court's decision, telling reporters outside the courthouse "there was no justice for women in Victoria".

When asked if he believed his daughter had received any justice he replied "none".

"She could have died and that a--hole gets to walk f--king free today," he said. "Where is the justice?"

Prosecutor Rabea Khan had earlier told Melbourne Magistrates Court the offending was serious and the victim had been left with "ongoing mental harm".

Burke followed his victim on the road for about 10km, driving erratically and slamming on the brakes forcing her to stop in a 100km/h zone before the incident, Ms Khan said in pushing for a jail sentence.

with AAP