Jonathan Monaghan, 24, was charged with aggravated robbery and common assault when he appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The Reid man also has other matters before the court, including being in a stolen car, drink driving, negligent driving, and driving unlicenced.

Monaghan was arrested after an aggravated robbery in Civic on Monday night.

He allegedly used a screwdriver to threaten a patron at the King O'Malley's pub, police said.

They said Monaghan demanded the man hand over a computer and then fled with the laptop.

Police attended shortly after and, with the assistance of the K9 team, found the defendant at a nearby residence.

The prosecution opposed bail, arguing Monaghan was likely to reoffend if released.

The court heard that Monaghan had an active first instance warrant against him for failing to attend court over previous matters.

The prosecutor said the defendant had an extensive criminal history and had been subject to 19 ACT Supreme Court suspended sentences for similar offences.

Defence lawyer Kate Bills, from the Aboriginal Legal Service, said her client cared for his sick father.

Ms Bills said the alleged risks could be managed by strict bail conditions, including reporting to police and a curfew.

But magistrate Bernadette Boss refused the application because of the overwhelming likelihood Monaghan would commit further offences.

Dr Boss said Monaghan's past conduct and fresh allegations meant he had put himself in the position where the court must assume there was an overwhelming likelihood he would commit offences again.

Monaghan will reappear in court next month.