Magistrate Bernadette Boss on Wednesday ordered Gary John Fahey, 40, be assessed for an intensive corrections order.

Intensive correction orders allow offenders to serve jail sentences in the community under strict restrictions and conditions.

In July, Fahey pleaded guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court to a charge of fraud.

Fahey, who was an executive officer to Commissioner Andrew Colvin, used his AFP-issued credit card between August 2015 to November 2016 in a way that resulted in a $45,150 loss to the Commonwealth.

The court heard the offences had been committed in the context of gambling addiction and depression.

During a sentence hearing on Wednesday, the defence said Fahey had contributed significantly to the community via his long and distinguished police career.

The court Fahey intended to repay the money he had stolen.

Commonwealth prosecutor Peter Botros said Fahey had been in a position of trust at the time of the offence, and it had been his good character that had enabled the theft to occur.

The court heard Fahey had made a number of attempts to conceal his behaviour, which included signing false statutory declarations.

Both sides agreed that the offences should attract a jail term, however, disagreed on how the sentence should be served.

Dr Boss adjourned the sentence hearing so Fahey could be assessed for an intensive corrections order.

Fahey will return to court for sentence in January.