Leon Evangelistis wore a ginger wig, pink shawl, skirt, black fishnet stockings and heels when he robbed a McDonald's restaurant in Laverton North on February 8.

He threatened staff with a make-up canister he claimed was an explosive device.

County Court acting chief judge Michael McInerney said on Tuesday he did not think it was appropriate for Mr Evangelistis to spend the next 12 months receiving treatment for his drug addiction before being sentenced.

Judge McInerney said Mr Evangelistis had to be jailed immediately for committing such a serious armed robbery, adding that there was no point in delaying the case.

There was no doubt Mr Evangelistis, 48, had been under psychological stress at the time and would need on-going assistance with his mental health issues, the judge said.

Defence lawyer Melinda Walker told the court Mr Evangelistis would have to adjust to life without his wife after they had separated.

Mr Evangelistis was remanded for sentencing on Wednesday, with Judge McInerney indicating he planned to jail the cross-dressing robber and place him on a community correction order after his release.

He ordered a report be compiled on Mr Evangelistis' suitability for such an order.

Mr Evangelists rode a bicycle to the McDonald's outlet, the court heard.

He threatened the store's assistant manager, telling her that he would detonate the explosive device if she did not give him money.

After he walked around the counter, Mr Evangelistis said: "I will hurt you if you don't do what I say. Open the till. No one needs to get hurt. Just open the till."

Mr Evangelistis, who was under the effects of the drugs ice and Xanax at the time, took $200 from the cash register and fled on foot, leaving his bike behind.

The father of five has pleaded guilty to armed robbery and counts of attempted theft and possessing a drug of dependence. The latter charges relate to his attempts to steal a bicycle at Werribee train station 13 days after the robbery.