Dean Gordon Glare, 45, faced Bendigo Magistrates court on Thursday.

The court heard Glare had attended Car Part Recyclers at Epsom with a co-accused on July 26 last year with a socket set, screwdriver, shifter, torch and gloves.

Glare attempted to steal a battery and alternator from a car at the premises but was disturbed by a neighbour.

Police intercepted Glare, who said he was helping out a friend.

Defence lawyer Kate Youngson said her client had mental health issues and requested he be allowed to complete a previous community corrections order.

Magistrate Bruce Cottrill noted Glare had already been given several chances after being convicted of serious offences.

“(He’s) under an order of court at the time of committing the offences,” he said.

“It’s certainly behaviour that can’t be tolerated.”

The magistrate said Glare had been “within a hair’s breadth” of “going in today”.  

“(You) breached the trust of your former employer ... it beggars belief,” he said.

Mr Cottrill said he would not send Glare to jail, but instead fine him $500 plus costs and order he undertake 100 hours of unpaid community work. 

“The ball is back in your court,” he said.

“Mess up again and you know what will happen.” 

Glare, who has three children, had worked at the business for two weeks.