Aaron Campbell's dreams of making a fresh start with his ex-girlfriend in Tasmania will have to wait until he becomes eligible for parole in June.

Campbell, 26, pleaded guilty in the ACT Supreme Court to snatching an ANZ bank bag containing $4000 from a woman walking in Fyshwick in January last year.

Campbell, who at the time was on a good behaviour order for earlier offences, told a sentencing hearing he did odd jobs for prostitutes, many of whom were good friends, for cash.

He said he took the bank bag to help a friend who owed money to a drug dealer, although it was not clear whether that debt related to drugs or a car.

Campbell said he spotted the victim, silently approached her from behind, grabbed the bag, and ran.

The woman was not physically injured during the heist, but Campbell said he turned around seconds later and spotted her screaming and upset.

Campbell, who has been in custody since the robbery, told the court he wanted to move to Tasmania to be with his ex-girlfriend because he wanted a fresh start to get away from the prostitutes and their influence.

Justice Richard Refshauge jailed Campbell for two years and four months, backdated to take into account time served, with a non-parole period of 17 months.

The judge cancelled the good behaviour order and resentenced Campbell for previous burglary and theft charges.

Justice Refshauge recommended the sentence administration board transfer Campbell's parole to Tasmania when he was released so he could make his planned new crime free life.