The two young men accused of committing violent robberies on the campuses of the Australian National University and the University of Canberra targeted people of Asian descent, a court has heard.
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Darren Hubert Scott, 19, allegedly committed four aggravated robberies over six days from October 22. He faces a further charge of obtaining property by deception.
"The behaviour strikes me as bizarre, absolutely bizarre," magistrate Peter Morrison said before refusing the man bail on Thursday.
The court heard Scott had no criminal history, and Colonel Morrison said his motivation appeared to be unknown. There was no suggestion of drug or alcohol abuse.
Defence solicitor Tom Taylor said Scott had made "full and frank" admissions to police on his involvement in the five alleged offences. The man himself was "flabbergasted" at how things got out of control, he said.
Scott's mother gave evidence on Thursday, saying he had never been involved in violence and never had behavioural problems as a child.
"It's most out of character," she said.
She spoke of how Scott had become quiet and closed in since they returned from his grandfather's funeral in Ireland in September.
First constable Cameron Gordon, called to give evidence by prosecutor Brian Ngugi, said police had concerns about Scott's release on bail, citing fears for the community and because there was still evidence outstanding.
He said police were still investigating five further alleged offences.
He said while it was Scott's co-accused who had allegedly committed the actual violence, Scott was "present and complicit" throughout.
Text messages exchanged between Scott and his co-accused had suggested some planning went into the alleged crimes, he said.
"Do you want to conduct a robb tonight?" one text message allegedly said. The officer said they had also discussed stealing bikes to go down the coast and buy a carton of cigarettes.
It was the officer's understanding the alleged offences were committed against people of Asian descent, and were opportunistic in that they targeted people walking or cycling alone at night.
The court heard they had allegedly stolen several Apple iPhones, wallets and a laptop.
His 17-year-old co-accused, who as a child cannot be named, was also refused bail by chief magistrate Lorraine Walker in the ACT Children's Court earlier on Thursday. He faces four charges of aggravated robbery and one of obtaining property by deception.
Another co-accused, a 17-year-old girl, charged with two aggravated robberies, was assisting police with their inquiries, and is due to face the Children's Court later this month.
Scott's case returns to court on November 17.
