Aaron Edward Jones, 27, of no fixed address, was refused bail when he faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday on charges of car theft, drunk driving and unlicensed driving.

Police informant, Constable Brett Katz, told the court a family of four drove to the Braddon 7/11 service station about 8pm on Thursday.

The father took his infant son inside the centre, leaving the keys in the ignition of the Ford Falcon and his wife and teenage daughter in the car.

It is alleged Jones jumped in the driver’s seat and demanded the pair get out of the vehicle.

The court heard the woman and her daughter complied and Jones then drove off.

The alleged victims were not injured in the ordeal, and the woman contacted police immediately.

Constable Katz said police spotted the stolen vehicle a short time later in Lyons, but it accelerated away.

Officers gave chase and discovered the abandoned car a short-time later.

Jones was allegedly located hiding beneath a nearby vehicle and arrested.

Constable Katz told the court Jones was also under investigation in relation to a number of other crimes and police expected to lay further charges in the near future.

Jones was also facing charges of breaching a protection order and had 148 criminal entries against his name, the court heard.

Jones was refused bail, and Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker said he posed a significant risk of reoffending and had a history of not appearing in court.

Ms Walker said Jones’ behaviour appeared to be escalating and feared he would be a danger to public safety if released.

She ordered a forensic mental health report be completed.

Jones will be back in court next month.