A WARWICK man has narrowly escaped time behind bars after he pleaded guilty to stealing a washing machine, television and air conditioner from Mr Rental.

Samuel Charles Costello pleaded guilty to one count of stealing at Warwick Magistrates Court today, but the court heard the 29-year-old claims the items were stolen from him.

As Costello had previously served two suspended terms of imprisonment and a jail sentence with an immediate release on parole, Magistrate Jason Schubert said he was considering serving Costello with actual jail time.

Defence lawyer Phil Crook said Costello believed the items were stolen as retaliation and planned to move to Brisbane to get away from the situation.

Costello had understood his responsibility for the items and had been keeping up with repayments, Mr Crook said.

But Magistrate Jason Schubert said he was not convinced moving would stop Costello from offending, after he had previously committed offences in other locations including Charleville and Cleveland.

Mr Schubert also said Costello had only been paying for the items since April this year.

In response, Costello said he started making payments as soon as he was contacted by Mr Rental.

"Normal payments $70 a fortnight and I'm paying $100 to try and fix the problem,” Costello said.

During sentencing, Mr Schubert took into account Costello's effort to make regular payments and noted he had not committed an offence since 2015.

"The reduction in offending shows you may have made some efforts to better yourself,” Mr Schubert said.

Therefore, Costello was spared time in jail and was instead ordered to serve 15 months' probation.

Mr Schubert warned Costello not to breach the order.

"Based on your history, you will be sentenced to a term of actual custody. Make no mistake,” Mr Schubert said.