Fleet shook addiction after theft: court

The moment he stole from a friend to buy heroin was the moment "something shifted" in comedian and actor Greg Fleet, who has had his slate wiped clean after admitting his crime.

Fleet was on Thursday granted a diversion by Magistrate Graeme Keil who deemed him "worthy of a second chance" after he admitted the theft last year.

Fleet was arrested after a friend reported him to police for stealing jewellery and selling it to buy heroin.

The well-known funny man told the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday he had been clean for 18 months and the drug was "no longer on his radar".

"After a very long time of being an addict it was probably the moment that shifted something in me," Fleet said.

His long-standing drug addition has been fodder for his comedy acts, and he told the court he had discussed his habit on stage while he was trying to pretend it wasn't still happening.

"I almost became something of a professional addict," he said.

The 53-year-old father of one said his addiction could "come back at any time" but he didn't think it would.

"I remain vigilant, but enough time has passed," Fleet said.

Defence lawyer Emily Buchanan said the crime had been a source of mortification for Fleet, and there had been repercussions for his family.

He had made numerous attempts at reparation and apologised many times, Ms Buchanan said.

Prominent social campaigner Les Twentyman had come to court to provide a character reference, she told the court.

Mr Keil said Fleet's was a stressful industry with significant peaks and troughs.

Fleet, who has appeared on Full Frontal and Neighbours, thanked the court before walking free.

"I really do appreciate it," he said.