Clayton Terrence Cooper, 22, of Yellow Pinch, and Guy Lee Aldridge, 39, of Bega, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated break and enter in company with the intention of stealing when they appeared before Batemans Bay Local Court on July 9.

Police said the pair was captured on the club’s CCTV cameras on March 14, when Cooper was seen climbing over a glass door into the beer garden. Aldridge, however, did not attempt to break into the club.

Court documents showed Cooper then used an empty beer keg to smash a window to gain access to the inside of the club. Police said he then ripped out three cash registers and smashed them on the floor in an attempt to release the money inside.

After failing to access any cash, Cooper fled the club and was arrested shortly after in a nearby street with Aldridge.

Police said the pair appeared to be affected by alcohol at the time of their arrest. Aldridge admitted to the offence and apologised for their actions.

“I’m sorry for what we did, but I didn’t go in at all,” Aldridge told police. “I have no control over Clayton. He just goes ahead and does things.”

Magistrate Doug Dick advised Aldridge not to associate with his co-offender.

“If you can’t control Clayton, don’t hang around with him,” Mr Dick said.

Cooper was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, six months without parole.

Aldridge was given 15 months’ imprisonment, also with a six-month non-parole period.