A man who took part in a "terrifying" home invasion has been warned by a judge to stay off drugs if he wants to remain out of prison.
Nathaniel Raymond Gibson pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court on Friday to breaking into a dwelling with intent while armed and in company.
Gibson also pleaded guilty to wilful damage and four counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
Prosecutors previously told a judge that Gibson assisted others to carry out the home invasion in the northern Brisbane suburb of Zillmere on August 21, 2023 as part of a dispute with the resident family.
Judge Ian Dearden told Gibson during sentencing he had taken part in the planning and execution of a home invasion that was a "terrifying experience" for the victims.
"You were not involved in the infliction of the injuries but you are responsible for those who did. You also had a knife and you drove everyone there and you had a balaclava," Judge Dearden said.
Gibson was sentenced to two-and-a-half-years imprisonment but was ordered to be released on parole immediately after spending almost 12 months in custody on remand.
Judge Dearden told Gibson he hoped he would strictly observe parole conditions.
"If you get involved in drugs, you will end up breaching your parole and you will go to jail. Stick with that plan and you get to stay out, simple as that," he said.
Judge Dearden said Gibson's prior criminal history had mainly consisted of minor offences.
"I hope that you treat this as the opportunity in your life to completely change how things have happened in the past, that you make a commitment to a future in which you don't return to drugs or jail, that you make a good life for yourself," Judge Dearden said.
