A teenager accused of a violent carjacking in Watson on Wednesday night did not remember the incident because he was drunk at the time, a court has heard.
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Police allege Jesse Martin, 19, struck a woman in the face, dragged her from her car and drove off in it after the driver had stopped at the intersection of Federal Highway and Flemington Road shortly after 6pm.
He was arrested after witnesses reported a male ''behaving erratically'' near Northbourne Avenue in Turner later that night, a police statement said.
Mr Martin faced charges of assault, dangerous driving and car theft when he appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon.
The court heard he had been drunk at the time of the carjacking and had no recollection of events when police first tried to interview him.
Magistrate Robert Cook said a police statement of facts, which Mr Martin read through in court, must have made "interesting reading" for him.
Mr Martin, who appeared without legal representation, said he sought bail so he could "work out what he'd done", which he "wouldn't be able to do in a jail cell".
"I don't usually do this sort of thing, I had a few drinks," he said. "If you do let me go home I won't get into any trouble. I'm pretty sorry for what I've done and I shouldn't have done it."
Mr Cook: "Pretty violent isn't it?"
"Yeah, not good,'' Mr Martin said.
Prosecutors opposed the teenager's release on grounds he was a risk to the community and was likely to reoffend.
They recommended he undergo a mental health assessment.
The court heard the accused worked as a housekeeper at a hotel and was earning his year 10 qualifications through night classes at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
Mr Cook said Mr Martin's behaviour was violent and ''very serious'' and appeared to be prompted by his alcohol consumption.
He granted Martin bail, but ordered he had to live with his partner in Ngunnawal and comply with a nightly curfew.
Mr Martin must also report to police three times a week and not consume alcohol or cannabis.
He will next face court on August 11.
