Megan Jane Chilcott, Arron Daniel Eales and Jeremy John Lodge pleaded guilty to stealing and dealing in the proceeds of crime.

The trio stole copper from a processing plant at Beaconsfield in March 2018.

Police initially believed the trio was responsible for stealing more than $60,000 in copper, but it took a number of months to conclude the actual total was $5901.

Chief Justice Alan Blow said the investigation was the reason for the nearly nine month delay between Chilcott, Eales and Lodge pleading guilty in the Magistrates Court in August and their sentence in May.

The copper was sold for a total of $1999.05 over a number of transactions.

Chief Justice Blow said the offenders were not equally culpable, with Chilcott only receiving $400 for her role.

Lodge was only 19 when he stole the copper and sold it to another business for $525.50.

Eales, who was 36 at the time, sold his portion of the stolen copper for $1473.75.

Chief Justice Blow said it was Eales third time before a court for dishonesty.

The father of two was sentenced to four months' prison wholly suspended for three years.

Eales was ordered to do 175 hours of community service within the next 18 months.

"If he re-offends again he will go to prison next time," Chief Justice Blow said.

Chilcott, a single parent, was sentenced to 105 hours of community service with the special condition it be completed within 12 months.

A father of two, 21-year-old Lodge was also sentenced to 105 hours of community service to be completed within 12 months. Chief Justice Blow also convicted all three offenders and made a compensation order for $5901.