Leigh Andrew Keefe, 49, of Campbelltown, appeared before Goulburn Local Court via audio visual link from custody on October 6. He previously pleaded guilty to entering enclosed land without a lawful excuse and larceny.

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Solicitor Matthew Adam argued his client suffered abuse as a child and since then experienced anxiety and self-medicated with alcohol, prescription drugs and other drugs.

He said on the day of the offence Keefe had taken Valium and was drinking alcohol before he went for a walk and stole a bicycle.

Mr Adam told the court Keefe's time in custody had been "difficult" due to mental health problems and a bi-polar diagnosis.

Magistrate Geraldine Beattie told the court Keefe jumped a fence into the yard of a Goulburn fitness centre before entering the premises. She said he then stole a white FELT brand carbon fibre time trial bicycle worth $5000 which was on display near the front window.

The magistrate said Keefe then walked the bicycle along Victoria Street before a witness called the police. She told the court he then leant the bike against a fence and jumped over several fences to avoid police.

In sentencing, Magistrate Beattie accepted there had been "no planning" before the theft.

She took into account that "time in custody is harder than it usually is at the moment due to COVID-19".

Keefe was sentenced to 12-months full-time custody with a non-parole period of eight months. The sentence was backdated to February 2021. He was also fined $400.

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