But Kim Murray Clark had no other choice, as not long after the crime he was sentenced to seven years' jail in Victoria.

His matters were briefly mentioned in Albury Local Court in late November, but sentencing was delayed until now to allow him to take up work at Balranald that he has now completed.

OTHER COURT STORIES:

Magistrate Richard Funston said Clark, who was about to begin a full-time job, was deserving of some praise for the way in which he appeared to have turned his life around.

Defence lawyer Emma Harrison said there was a High Court precedent that meant the sentence Clark received in Victoria plus the matters for which he now faced in NSW could be considered in their totality.

She argued that the jail term he had already served, having been released in October, 2019, meant Clark should not receive any more time in custody. Also, Clark had been drug-free for several years.

Mr Funston thanked Ms Harrison for raising the High Court case in sentencing and then praised Clark for the progress he had made.

"It's got to be said that you've done really well. The fundamental issue you could say is being drug-free for the last six-and-a-half years, and that is terrific," he said.

"That is great for everybody.

"Keep up the good work."

Clark, who was supported in court by his wife, previously pleaded guilty to a single charge of break, enter and steal.

The court heard previously that Clark, 37, of Albury, drove to Spitwater Pressure Washers' outlet in Wagga Road, Lavington, on April 4, 2013, about 7.30am.

He reversed his car to within a metre of the front door, which he forced open.

Clark loaded two pressure washers valued at $3000 into his car.

When someone saw him and yelled out, Clark got in his car and drove off down McDonald Road.

The car was found abandoned in Melbourne 15 days later.

Clark was convicted and placed on a 12-month community corrections order.