Anthony Woodbury had the help of his younger brother Andrew in the assault on their victim at his Indented Head home, on Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula, in April last year.
"It's a cruel attack by thugs," County Court Judge Geoff Chettle said in a pre-sentence hearing on Wednesday.
Anthony Woodbury and the victim, together with their partners, had been friends in the lead up to the incident but things broke down when Woodbury suspected the victim of having an affair with his wife.
The affair is denied.
The court heard there was an incident involving the victim confronting Anthony Woodbury with two Rottweiler dogs, and Judge Chettle said it was that matter and the alleged affair that prompted him to "dish out his own brand of justice".
Home CCTV footage shows the victim being dragged out of his garage by Anthony Woodbury who then hits him 13 times, kicks him twice and knees him once.
Andrew Woodbury, 32, hit the victim four times.
Both brothers pleaded guilty to intentionally causing injury. Anthony Woodbury admitted charges of aggravated burglary and breaching a court order, while Andrew Woodbury admitted trespassing and stealing the victim's mobile phone and cash.
Tass Antos, for Anthony Woodbury, said his client had made full admissions to the assault when questioned by police, telling them he had felt overwhelmed and angry, and was alcohol-affected.
Andrew Woodbury "lied through his teeth", Judge Chettle said.
His lawyer Katherine Rolfe said he did eventually show remorse and accepted responsibility for his role.
She said his decision to steal the victim's phone and cash from his wallet was opportunistic.
Prosecutors have sought $3000 in compensation.
The court heard the Geelong brothers were raised in NSW by a "dirt poor" mother and violent father and stepfather.
Anthony Woodbury came to Victoria for a fresh start after battling heavy drug and alcohol abuse. The father-of-three now runs a food charity delivering meals for people in need.
"For the most part, he's doing well," Mr Antos said.
Judge Chettle said there was no doubt that Anthony Woodbury was the primary offender, but Andrew Woodbury was a willing participant.
"It's a nasty, sustained, violent attack."
Both men spent time behind bars before being bailed. They'll be sentenced at a later date.
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