But Howard Hall, 26, alleged he was defending himself after the woman attacked him with a knife.

Mr Hall, of Lyneham, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with common assault and attempting to choke a person to render them insensible.

Court documents said police were called to a disturbance at a Lyneham unit about 4.30pm on Tuesday. Officers arrived to find the alleged victim visibly upset and shaking uncontrollably.

Police said Mr Hall arrived soon after as they were trying to interview the woman.

The court heard that the woman's demeanour suddenly changed. She appeared extremely scared of Mr Hall, and refused to co-operate with police.

A highly agitated Mr Hall, who was sweating profusely, paced the living room and allegedly told police he had been using ''gear'' and ''oxy'', court documents said.

Officers escorted the woman from the premises and she told them the couple had been arguing when Mr Hall started throwing things at her, including an ashtray.

He allegedly then grabbed her around the throat, and forced her to the ground where he punched and kicked her before repeatedly stomping on her ribs.

She grabbed a pair of scissors to try and protect herself but he forced her onto the balcony where he allegedly threatened to assault her further, court documents said.

Defence lawyer Craig Lynch said his client had defended himself against the knife-wielding woman.

He said Mr Hall denied using drugs and was willing to abide by strict bail conditions, including urine analysis to check for drugs.

But prosecutor Anthony Williamson argued against freeing Mr Hall, saying the self-defence story made no sense.

Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker refused the bail application, finding Mr Hall posed a significant risk of reoffending. He had limited links to the territory and the warrant for his arrest in NSW meant she could have no confidence he would appear in court to answer the charges.

Mr Hall will reappear in court next month.