Defence solicitor Antoinette Morton, of Fisher Dore Lawyers, said her client had a difficult time in jail as he had been assaulted and even though he was not in protective custody, he was still receiving threats.
"To the point where he will not attend visits because he is not safe walking the gangway," Ms Morton said.
"He is unable to complete courses … due to the threats to his personal safety."
Ms Morton said his criminal history was recent, beginning last year when he spiralled into drug addiction to cope with the death of his father in 2018.
The court heard he had a good work history and a reference tendered to court confirmed he had a job to go to when released from custody.