Aaron Russell appeared in the dock of the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday and told the court he was 'sick of going to jail every few weeks'.

Russell was on bail when he was arrested by police on Sunday for theft offences.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Steve Repac said Russell became aggressive when police said he was under arrest.

The court heard he grabbed a police officer around the throat and scratched him.

Senior Constable Repac said Russell stole a power bank from Big W in November, alcohol from Dan Murphy's and items from Target in January.

Representing himself, Russell said he had only just got out of jail and had been 'battling' to get back on his feet.

He said he did not have accommodation or enough money to buy things.

He said he stole clothes and the power bank because he needed the items but did not have money at the time.

The court heard he had been living in accommodation provided by Centacare and Uniting, hotels and camping.

Magistrate Letizia Torres said Russell would have to change the way he was thinking or risk jail.

"Your decisions are not working out for you," she said.

"People need to live on what they have got without stealing."

Ms Torres sentenced Russell to one month's imprisonment.

He said he had just done one month in jail and nothing would be different upon his release as he did not have a choice.

"I don't accept you don't have any other choice," Ms Torres said.

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