An injured woman was discovered crying and with blood all over her top in a Bulwell street, a court heard.
A care assistant saw the victim asking for help in Bancroft Street on May 7 at 7.15am.
The assistant called emergency services.
The casualty had a lump on her head, matted blood in her hair, and cuts to her arms which looked like slashes.
Neighbours had reported that, at around 4.30am, there was "a lot of noise" at an address in Bancroft Street, Nottingham Crown Court was told on Monday, August 16.
There had been arguing and banging, doors slamming and a female shouted "get off me".
Dawn Pritchard, prosecuting, said: "It seems that wasn't unusual and a regular occurence".
Police attended the address and Michael Marriott, of Wiverton Road, Forest Fields, was arrested.
He said "I've hit my girlfriend and I'm really sorry" and "I shouldn't have done what I did, I lashed out".
Later on he said "I've done this. I'll hold my hands up" and "I ****** up. I don't care...take me to prison".
A woman was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, with blood on her clothes, a large lump and cut to the back of her head, a deep cut to her right arm, a cut underneath her foot, and a swollen and bruised left eye. She needed stitches to her head and arm.
Blood was found throughout the property and a smashed Sports Direct mug with blood on it.
An account was taken from the victim who said they were both drinking and having a good time. An argument started, it became physical, something was thrown at the back of her head - which could have been the large ceramic Sports Direct mug.
Marriott, 43, pleaded guilty to wounding and received a restraining order for five years.
He was sentenced to ten months in prison, suspended for two years, and must complete a "building better relationships" course and 25 days of rehabilitation activity.
Matthew Smith, mitigating, said Marriott had been in prison since May 5. He had little recollection of the offence.
Judge Rosalind Coe QC told Marriott it appeared the incident arose after a long and heavy driking session between him and his former partner.
She added that he had "clearly shown remorse" and acknowledged he had behaved very badly.
* To report domestic abuse to Nottinghamshire Police, please call the 101 non-emergency number or, in an emergency, always call 999.
