Shane Anthony Watson, 51, of St Marys, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on January 9.

The court heard that Watson and his partner were still together despite the offending.

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Justice Brett said that on the day of the crimes, Watson's partner left the couple's car and walked on the bridge after an argument started.

"You threatened to throw her off the bridge and then picked her up and handled her as if you were going to throw her over the railing of the bridge," he said.

"She used her foot to secure herself to the railing to prevent you doing so.

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"You repeated this action three times, during which you were yelling at her that you intended to throw her off the bridge.

"This was all seen and heard by members of the public, who were passing by and obviously concerned about your conduct.

"In your agitated state, you then charged and yelled at those people. You then again took hold of the complainant and attempted, once again, to throw her over the railing of the bridge.

Watson was arrested and was in jail until bailed on April 1.

Justice Brett told Watson his conduct was appalling.

"Although I suspect that you were not seriously trying to throw your partner off the bridge, your actions must have terrified her, as well as being demeaning and highly embarrassing to her," he said.

"The bridge in question is very high and had you successfully pushed her over the railing, it is likely that she would have suffered serious injury or even worse."

He said that Watson's conduct was out of character despite a very long history of prior convictions in South Australia.

He said that complications with medicine for epilepsy had contributed to Watson's behaviour.

"It is unlikely that you will act in this way again. This conclusion is also supported by what I perceive to be genuine remorse for your conduct," Justice Brett said.

"However, the crimes you committed are very serious. They represent a grave breach of the trust that underpinned your relationship and were a shocking way to treat your partner."

He said that a victim impact statement provided by Watson's partner confirmed the nature of the couple's relationship and that she was committed to continuing the relationship.

"She says she is not scared of you but rather, is worried for you," he said.

He said three months already served was enough actual jail and that a further six months would be wholly suspended for 18 months on the condition that he commit no imprisonable offence.

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