An ACT Supreme Court document states that Joshua Malachi James Montgomery, 20, last July went to a premises in Rivett where he stole a diamond ring, beauty items, a marriage affirmation book and electronic devices in addition to the Indonesian rupiah - in various denominations.

Police were called after one of the occupants became aware, via a mobile phone CCTV notification, of Montgomery's presence.

The offender had left by the time officers arrived.

The following month, police executed a search warrant at Montgomery's place and seized three of the items before finding Montgomery elsewhere in Rivett.

He was not wearing a face mask during which COVID lockdown restrictions were in place.

Upon arresting him, police searched his phone that contained a text message saying he was a close contact and needed to quarantine immediately.

His phone also showed a number of Google searches about currency conversion, including "where can I exchange Indonesian money" and "can I convert Indonesian to AUD".

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Montgomery fronted the Supreme Court on Friday for a sentence hearing after pleading guilty to failing to theft, burglary and failing to comply with a public health direction.

Senior prosecutor Erin Priestly said the theft was more serious generally when regarding the value of the items.

"One can be inferred to have particular sentimental value," Ms Priestly said.

She said it was not an issue between the parties that nothing other than jail is appropriate for the burglary and theft offences.

Ms Priestly conceded that rehabilitation was a significant consideration and did not oppose the court making a drug and alcohol treatment order as part of the sentence.

Defence lawyer Alyn Doig said his client had only about one year of liberty in the past 4.5 years and understood he needed "to take this opportunity seriously to become rehabilitated both from his drug issues and his mental health issues".

"Or he's going to be in there [jail] for the best part of the rest of his life," Mr Doig said.

"It's hard to come to terms with things like drug addiction without real assistance."

Mr Doig said his client had "no real recollection as to why - or no real answers to why - most of the property has not been returned".

"His only recollection concerns trying to sell some foreign currency," he said.

The defence lawyer urged the judge to consider whether or not placing his client on a drug and alcohol treatment order would be beneficial as his client had been assessed as suitable.

Other favourable factors cited included Montgomery having a new medical regime and him re-establishing his relationship with his mother.

Montgomery, who has spent about 223 days in custody, is scheduled to face court again on March 31 when Acting Justice Richard Refshauge will deliver his sentence.

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