Brendon Joseph Gibbs, 41, and a co-offender were disturbed by a homeowner as they were searching through the rooms of her house on October 11, 2012.

The court heard the pair ran from the home and fled in a white sedan.

The homeowner called police about 1.40pm and officers saw a white Ford Falcon sedan travelling along National Circuit in Barton less than an hour later.

Police stopped the car and found property that had been stolen from the home.

Gibbs was charged with aggravated burglary and theft, in addition to two further charges, and pleaded guilty to all four.

He was due to be sentenced by Justice Richard Refshauge in the ACT Supreme Court on Tuesday for his "lesser role" in the offences.

Justice Refshauge said Gibbs had a "long and serious criminal history" of 83 offences, 30 of which were dealt with in a single court appearance.

"This is of course a shocking record and denies him the leniency that might otherwise be afforded," he said.

Justice Refshauge said he would not sentence Gibbs on Tuesday, instead delaying the matter to allow him time to attend counselling.

He granted bail under strict instructions to attend drug and alcohol counselling as directed and warned Gibbs that he would be sent to jail if he stepped out of line.

"This is an opportunity for you to show that this is an aberration," he said.

"You need to find somewhere, with the help of your family, the resources to face down your demons."

Justice Refshauge said some leniency could be given if Gibbs addressed his drug and alcohol issues, despite being previously kicked out of two residential drug rehabilitation facilities.

"It's not going to be easy, it is going to be tough," he said.

"If thing go wrong, the worst thing you can do is nothing or run away. Come back to the court."

Justice Refshauge said that if Gibbs didn't take action, he was effectively "putting your hand up to say put me in jail".

The matter will return to the ACT Supreme Court for sentencing on June 11.