Daniel Mark Lovelock, 31, is accused of waving a knife at a Charnwood service station attendant early Saturday morning.

Lovelock allegedly pulled up at the service station in his Mitsubishi Lancer about 6am, filled up his car with petrol and went inside, grabbing a bottle of Coke and can of Red Bull.

Instead of paying, prosecutors allege Lovelock pulled out a black-handled knife from its sheath and waved it around, saying "give me the money, give me the money".

The worker retreated from him, the court heard, and refused to hand over the cash.

Lovelock left the service station, allegedly making off with $50 worth of petrol and drinks.

Police later went to his ex-girlfriend's home in Chisholm.

They say the woman told them Lovelock was not inside, but allowed officers to search the property.

Lovelock was allegedly found hiding in a wardrobe.

The 31-year-old applied for bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

His bid for release was opposed by prosecutors, who feared he may reoffend, given he has no known means of funding an ice habit other than through crime.

Police also told the court that Lovelock was being investigated for the theft of an Australia Post mail van in late February.

The court heard that Lovelock is suspected of taking the van and tampering with mail inside.

He has not been charged over that incident.

A detective constable told the court he had no idea where Lovelock was living, and said a search of his phone revealed text messages suggesting he wanted to move to Braidwood.

The court heard he has failed to appear in court in the past, and is facing other charges in NSW.

But Lovelock's lawyer said his client was willing to be placed on strict bail conditions, including a house arrest, to ease the prosecution's concerns.

The man was willing to report to police at any reasonable time, and had significant family ties to the ACT.

Magistrate Robert Cook refused Lovelock bail.

He will reappear in court again in late March.