Yukich said it was after the death of his pregnant partner in 2018 that he turned to drugs to help him cope.
He said after being remanded in custody for nine months he had been drug-free which had given the motivation to continue on the road to recovery. He had completed meditation and parenting courses while on remand.
Lawyer Sumudu Thode said a cultural report revealed Yukich had very little family support "from the get go" and outlined a difficult upbringing.
Over the last few months Yukich had worked on addressing his drug addiction and during lockdown had counselling session vie Zoom meetings with health board representatives.
"This is the longest period he has been sober for as long as he can remember and he is proud of this achievement," Thode said.
He also now had the support of his partner, sister and an aunty.
Judge de Ridder said he supported intensive rehabilitation but there was not enough information or detail about a plan before the court that would allow him to continue with sentencing.
"I accept the focus is not only on sanction but needs to address rehabilitation and reinforce the good work you have done," he said.
Sentencing was now scheduled for June 26.
