Garry Robert Burns, 22, has admitted to his roll in the incident on August 19 last year.

He had been on ice, armed with a cricket bat, and had his face covered when he attended the London Road home in Wodonga with three others.

The four men drove past the home a few times before deciding to force their way in about 5.15am.

The court heard the alleged ringleader, Eric Chew, had believed the victim’s teenage son was an easy target.

It was thought the boy had drugs and cash at the home.

Chew allegedly yelled “hey mother----er” when the 57-year-old victim answered the door before jamming a baseball bat into the door frame, preventing the victim from closing the door. 

The man was allegedly hit with the bat inside the house while his son was inside. 

While Burns - who was supported by family and his boss in court on Thursday - didn’t enter the home, the court heard he was complicit in the attack.

“He’s equally guilty as those who levelled the blows, magistrate Peter Dunn said.

Co-offenders Kayne Phillips and Damon Mirkovic have admitted to their involvement but Chew is contesting his charges.

Detective Sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer opposed bail for Burns, and noted a child had been targeted for drugs by the group. 

“This is serious offending,” he said.

“It was pre-planned.

“There was an addiction to ice at the time and he’s pleaded guilty.”

The group had been celebrating Burns’ birthday by smoking ice in a garage before deciding to target the home.

They armed themselves with property from inside the shed for the attack. 

Burns was arrested on August 30 and initially denied involvement.

The group were caught on security cameras installed at the home.

Mr Dunn granted Burns bail despite concerns from police and the prosecution.

He pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and will return to the Wodonga County Court from July 29.