Two men accused of robbing a taxi driver at knifepoint are also suspects in two other similar heists, a court has heard.
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Howard Hall, 28, of Holt, and Albert Barker, 34, were both refused bail when they appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday on aggravated robbery charges.
Court documents said a taxi had been booked for a pickup in Rivett by "Jenny" about 11.30pm on Monday night.
The driver picked up two men, with one sitting in the front passenger seat and the second man behind the driver.
The man in the front seat then pushed the gear stick into park.
At the same time, the second man reached around from behind and held a 20cm knife close to the driver's neck.
The driver gave the men about $200 in cash, as well as eftpos receipts.
The man in the front then said: "Happy new year and Merry Christmas" and the pair left.
The driver, who was unharmed, called police to report the robbery.
About an hour later, the cab company called police after receiving a call from "Jennifer" requesting a pickup in Giralang.
About 1am, police found and searched a car parked on a nearby street, allegedly finding a knife matching the description of the one used in the Rivett robbery.
About 1.30am, Hall and Barker were arrested near the scheduled pick-up.
A police informant told the court that investigations were underway into two other taxi robberies that had "identical modus operandi".
The informant also said Hall was a suspect in a shoplifting incident in Weston where a trolley full of shopping had been taken from a supermarket without payment.
Both defendants applied for bail on Tuesday afternoon, which was opposed by the prosecution.
Prosecutor Paul Sweeney said there was a high risk of further armed robberies if they were granted bail.
The prosecutor said both men – who had lengthy criminal records, which included convictions for property crime, violence, and breaching court orders – were unmanageable in terms of bail conditions.
He said there was "abundant" evidence against Barker and Hall.
But Dean Rutherford, for the defence, argued there was a weak case against his clients because police had no identification or forensic evidence.
Mr Rutherford said Barker would comply with daily reporting and curfew conditions.
Magistrate Robert Cook refused both men bail because he could not be certain bail conditions would mitigate risks.
Mr Cook noted a police investigation had been launched and held concerns the defendants could interfere with evidence.
Both Hall and Barker were remanded to appear in court again later this month.
