Ian William Gibson, 41, was found with a torch, pliers and a spare pair of socks and told police he was visiting a friend in the street in Dubbo's east - but could not provide the name or address of the friend.

He pleaded guilty in Dubbo Local Court to possessing housebreaking implements, entering a building or land with intent to commit an indictable offence having had a previous conviction for breaking and entering, and entering inclosed land without lawful excuse.

He was sentenced to a maximum penalty of 15 months in jail with a non-parole period of eight months for the entering with intent having had a previous conviction offence.

He also received a concurrent fixed eight-month term for possessing housebreaking implements.

Gibson entered the John Glenn Place property about 7.30am on March 6 and crouched down at the front lounge room, facing the window, court documents show.

A resident heard a noise, pulled back the curtain and saw him.

Gibson stood up, walked off down the street, and a resident followed him and then police arrived.

They saw Gibson carrying a torch and pliers in his hand and during a search they found black sunglasses and a pair of black socks in his clothing in addition to the white socks he was wearing on his feet.

The 41-year-old appeared via audiovisual link to be sentenced this month and the defence said he had already spent 131 days in custody since his arrest on the day of the offences.

The solicitor said Gibson did serve a period in custody last year for a similar offence, but prior to that had no similar convictions since 2009.

Drugs had been an issue for Gibson since he was a teenager and he had been on the methadone program since 2009, the court heard.

Gibson no longer used heroin but at times used methylamphetamine, the solicitor said.

The court heard Gibson had limited education and had some insight into why he continued to offend.

Gibson had a lengthy record including matters of dishonesty for which he had served time in custody, the magistrate said. He noted Gibson "still (had) ongoing drug issues" but had indicated a desire for rehabilitation. Mr Stewart said the only appropriate sentence was full-time custody. Gibson will be eligible for release on parole on November 5.