Supreme Court Justice Hilary Penfold rejected Miroslav Jovanavic's claim on Thursday, and said concerns for the victim and his partner's safety tipped the balance against a release.

The court was shown video footage of the April 7 incident where the accused is seen running towards the victim and punches him from behind, knocking him to the ground, before the victim gets to his feet and the two men wrestle.

The Crown said the medical evidence was there was about six stab wounds, with the victim needing surgery and losing about four litres of blood, and that four witnesses who saw the knife in the accused's hand would give evidence.

Mr Jovanavic, 55, accepted he punched the victim and had him in a headlock, but disputed the view that he had a knife or stabbed the victim.

He made submissions the case against him was weak, there would likely be a long delay before he received a trial, and that there was no reason to be concerned for the victim's safety or of any intimidation of witnesses.

Mr Jovanavic disputed the Crown's claim that a strong case and potentially lengthy jail term were good reason for him to leave the territory if given bail.

"I'm going to turn up, I've lived here all my life, I've got my house here," he said.

The court heard unchallenged evidence that Mr Jovanavic, self-represented at this time, would have access in prison to computers and phones to prepare for a trial.

Justice Penfold said on the face of the evidence there was a strong Crown case.

Her Honour said evidence from police of fears held by the victim and his partner about being attacked were general in nature, but were of concern.