A FATHER-of-three assaulted a woman, after he saw her abusing her young daughter.

At Ipswich Magistrates Court this week, Brenton Dwayne Henderson pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said the 26-year old verbally chastised the woman when he witnessed her behaviour.

Henderson, a parent himself, told the woman that her daughter was a gift and still very young and that she should show some respect.

In response to Henderson's comment, the mother stepped towards him and began swearing at him.

Henderson then assaulted the woman, in what Ms Vasta described as a "spur of the moment" reaction.

The offence took place at Booval on August 11.

Defence lawyer Matthew Fairclough said Henderson had simply "lost control" as a result of the language and behaviour of the victim.

"It's clearly unacceptable for him to react in the way he did though," Mr Fairclough said.

"He certainly regrets his actions."

In addition to the assault charge, Henderson also pleaded guilty to three other unrelated offences.

Magistrate Vasta noted Henderson had already accumulated two pages of criminal history.

He was convicted and sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay the victim $200 in compensation.

During the probation period, Henderson will have to take part in anger management counselling.

A spokesperson for the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services said people in Ipswich who suspected a child was experiencing harm, could phone Child Safety Services on 1300 683 390.