Douglas Geoffrey Gooding can expect a suspended sentence if he can stay clean and find a job.

But Justice John Burns told Gooding if he did not comply with strict bail conditions he could expect time behind bars.

Gooding pleaded guilty in the ACT Supreme Court to joint commission theft.

Gooding's accomplice entered the Italo-Australian Club in Forrest through a fire exit just before midnight on July 28 last year.

The man walked into the office and held a knife to the throat of Gooding, who was counting the takings, and told the 23-year-old, "righto c---, you know what this is".

He then left with more than $10,000.

The crime was first reported as an aggravated robbery, but police became suspicious upon discovering Gooding had left two doors unlocked.

The pair were charged after an investigation involving phone intercepts.

Justice Burns deferred sentence for six months on Wednesday, but imposed strict bail conditions.

Gooding was ordered to find employment, submit to drug testing and accept supervision of the director-general, which would include undertaking rehabilitation programs.

Justice Burns said if Gooding could comply for six months, then the sentence would be deferred for another six months.

After one year, he would then decide on a sentence.

“The matter is now back in your hands,” Justice Burns said.

“If you can [comply with your bail conditions] you won't go to prison.”