Baldini and two coffenders viciously beat the resident and stole prescription medication and cigarettes.

Last November, a Canberra judge gave the 21-year-old six months to convince him he could go straight, or go to jail for two-years.

Justice Richard Refshauge on Thursday acknowledged the offenders steps to rehabilitate himself and suspended the jail sentence.

Baldini pleaded guilty in the ACT Supreme Court to aggravated burglary and assault occasioning actual bodily harm over the incident in July, 2012.

The court heard Baldini and two other men went to the Mawson home to steal drugs about 9pm after being goaded to prove themselves.

The trio then stormed the flat when the victim opened the door, holding the man against the wall and punching him in the head.

A co-offender then searched for drugs while Baldini held the victim in a headlock and continued the assault.

The victim suffered a fractured nose and black eye as a result of the attack.

The court on Thursday heard Baldini had previously used both cannabis and ice daily, but had been drug free for a year.

He had held full time employment as a sound and light technician at events in the ACT, including Raiders and Brumbies games.

ACT Legal Aid lawyer Matt O’Brien said his client had been successful in working towards rehabilitation and Justice Refshauge could be confident he would not appear before the court again.

Prosecutor Amanda Clarke said conceded Baldini had taken significant steps towards living a pro-social life.

But Ms Clarke argued anything less than a jail sentence would be inadequate for such a serious crime.

Justice Refshauge sentenced Baldini to two-and-a-half year’s jail, to be fully suspended upon entering a three year good behaviour order.

Baldini must complete 300 hours community service within two years and be subject to supervision as part of the order.