Vic man jailed for drunken scissor attack

A Victorian man who punctured his ex-girlfriend's lung with a pair of scissors was lucky he didn't kill her in his drunken rage, a judge says.

Leigh Agnew, 31, was jailed for at least three and a half years on Friday after stabbing Stephanie Young in the back and hand in the January attack at Warrnambool.

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms Young's brother and damaging cars with a metal pole after becoming enraged.

"You are extremely fortunate you are not appearing on charges possibly related to the death of Ms Young," County Court Judge Elizabeth Gaynor said in Warrnambool.

The victim suffered a collapsed lung and had to be rushed to hospital.

Agnew, who was jailed for a maximum term of five years and nine months, has a long history of abusing alcohol and other drugs, including the sedative Xanax.

At the time of the attack he was very drunk and likely affected by other drugs, the court was told.

"You are engaging in extremely serious behaviour while affected in that way," Judge Gaynor said.

She noted Agnew's extensive criminal record and challenging upbringing.

"As an Indigenous person you suffered an extremely deprived, dysfunctional and abusive childhood," the judge said.

Agnew had been engaged in a health education program with his mother and brother before the attack.

"It is not easy seeing your mother sitting here distressed, knowing her boy is going to go away to jail, just when things seemed to be coming good," Judge Gaynor said.

"I have great sympathy for that.

"Your fatal mistake was not giving away alcohol and all drugs."

Agnew's mother, who was in court, sobbed during the sentencing.

The judge said Agnew was "extremely remorseful" but he had to be jailed for a lengthy stint for the "dreadful" offences.

"Hopefully it's the last time, Mr Agnew," she said.