David George Thompson was sentenced to a total of three years and eight months imprisonment, in Tamworth District Court on Thursday.

"We're dealing with someone who is institutionalised," Judge Jeffery McLennan told the court.

"I frankly think it's inevitable he will re-offend and I'm sorry, but I have to be realistic about this 43-year-old man and his criminal history.

"It would seem to me he doesn't have prospects of rehabilitation that even inspire hope.

"It's one of the most depressing things I've seen in a long time Ms Parker."

The court heard Thompson has a lengthy history of crime and substance abuse.

The 43-year-old admitted to taking the drug ice in the hour before he robbed the servo of a packet of Winfield Blue cigarettes and a 750ml Dare iced coffee, in the early morning of January 13.

Defence solicitor Rae Parker said unfortunately the prison system can't deal with an individual on the intensive basis needed to limit the damage that had been done to her client when he was young.

"We are now left in the position where the system will receive all these reports again and good people I'm sure will look at them.

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"But it is a situation where Mr Thompson will tell your honour, what was predicted is that the institution is the safest place he is in.

"His routine is set, he doesn't have to think and the intense trauma doesn't come into his head as often."

Thompson was sentenced to a non-parole period of two years and nine months, with an additional 11 months to be backdated to January 13.

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