A man accused of two syringe-point robberies wrote "I wanna hurt anyone who gets in my way" on a mental health form hours before he faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday.
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Scott Robert Thomas, 38, is accused of theft and aggravated robbery in relation to a string of Braddon robberies over the weekend.
Thomas, of Campbell, allegedly threatened staff with a syringe during robberies at two service stations.
A police statement, issued before Thomas appeared in court, alleged a man stole a multi-pack of matches and attempted to snatch money from a cash register in a Canberra Centre supermarket about 8.15pm on Saturday night.
Police said a man, matching the same description, entered a service station on Lonsdale Street five minutes later, threatened a cashier with a syringe, and stole money.
About 12.45am, the same man allegedly entered a second Lonsdale Street service station and threatened the attendant with a syringe.
Police said the man jumped the counter and stole sunglasses, tobacco and mobile phones, after the attendant failed to handed over cash.
He then fled on bicycle, along with a second man who had been waiting outside on a second bike, police said.
A detailed description of the man was obtained from CCTV footage and circulated to police.
Police arrested Thomas about 1.55am in Kanangra Court.
Thomas applied for bail when he appeared before Magistrate Robert Cook on Monday.
Thomas mumbled to himself throughout the hearing.
Prosecutor Soraya Saikal opposed the application, arguing Thomas posed a risk of further offending and may not reappear before the court if released.
Ms Saikal tendered a mental health form, filled out by the accused on Monday morning, to support her bail opposition.
The form revealed Thomas had a drug and alcohol addiction and suffered from schizophrenia.
The court heard under the sub heading, Thoughts of Violence, Thomas had written: “I wanna hurt anyone who gets in my way”.
Ms Saikal said Thomas also had outstanding charges for failing to appear before the court.
But the accused’s Legal Aid ACT lawyer asked for the bail application to be put on hold until his client’s mental health could be assessed.
The defence argued the defendant "appeared very unwell" and it was unclear whether he had received treatment or medication for his illness.
Mr Cook denied bail, saying he posed a risk of reoffending and was sceptical he would reappear.
He will be brought back before the court next month.
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
