A Dunedin man who bashed a child's head into a wall has avoided prison time

Open Justice reports Jessie John Schultz was convicted of assaulting a child in Dunedin District Court this week.

While intoxicated, the 30-year-old got into an argument with two children last year - and shoved one's head into a wall, leaving a 10-centimetre hole.

Judge David Robertson has told the court after the assault, the child had trouble sleeping and needed time off school.

Schultz was sentenced to 150 hours community work and 18 months intensive supervision.