John Ebbels, 53, of Port Campbell-Cobden Road, Cobden, pleaded guilty charges ​i​n the Warrnambool Magistrates Court to burglary, theft, using and possessing cannabis, attempted theft and committing an offence on bail.

Police said that in early July Ebbels and a co-accused entered a home in Clarke Street, Camperdown, where they were to pick up a mobile phone.

But, when there they took a television, two laptop computers, an iPad, games, a picture print and perfume valued at about $1000.

The television and laptops were then traded at Cash Converters for $360. 

When interviewed by police Ebbels said he thought the resident had moved out and the home was abandoned. 

On August 31 he went to the Colac Reject Shop where he removed a key finder and wireless charger from their packaging valued at $27.

Police were called, found the packaging under the shelves, searched and found the items on Ebbels as well as half a gram of cannabis.

He said he used cannabis the day before by drinking it with water and he explained that the drug calmed him down. 

His prior offences date all the way back to 1989.

Magistrate Cynthia Toose said she found medical evidence helpful, a fined was appropriate and Ebbels was convicted and fined $1200.