Andrew Ball, 27, was on bail for an unrelated assault charge when he allegedly went on a crime spree across the northern suburbs on Thursday.

But his appearance before Magistrate Bernadette Boss angered the prosecution.

Solicitor Amanda Clarke said she had no files as she was not aware Ball would be appearing before the court. ‘‘I’m not in a position to assist the court,’’ she said.

But an ACT Policing spokesman said procedures had been followed. ‘‘At all times ACT Policing adhered to correct protocols. All relevant paperwork was provided to the DPP, Court Representative and Court Transport as required,’’ he said.

Ball did not apply for bail when he appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday on nine charges, including theft, trespass and traffic offences.

Ball, with grazes on his face and wearing a burgundy fleece, black tracksuit pants and white socks but no shoes, did not speak during his appearance on Saturday. He was not allowed to apply for bail and will be back before the court on Thursday.

Police arrested the Belconnen man on Thursday night. In a statement on Friday morning before the court hearing, police said they had received a report that a silver 1999 Mazda 323 Protege, containing a baby boy, had been stolen in Canberra’s north about 2pm Thursday. They allege Ball took the mother’s car after she stopped to help him with a broken-down vehicle.

Police launched a massive hunt, scrambling all available patrol cars and a police helicopter to close routes out of Canberra.

The child was found unharmed on a porch in Palmerston, about 400 metres from where the car was taken, about 3.40pm.

About 6.55pm police received reports that a man had robbed the pharmacy of more than $1350 and drugs at knifepoint. They arrested Ball about 8.25pm after a brief car chase.