The Holt man appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Boxing Day charged with intentionally strangling a person, common assault and making a threat to kill. He has not entered pleas, but indicated he would contest at least two of the charges.

Police told the court the man, who had been drinking, had got into an argument with his partner of four years after he accused her of hiding his bong.

The woman called his mother as she became afraid of his actions. This had incensed the man and he allegedly grabbed his partner, pushed her onto a mattress and strangled her for up to a minute, in which time she could not breathe.

Police said ambulance paramedics had found bruising on the woman's neck, she had a hoarse voice and trouble swallowing.

The woman had tried to leave the home with the couple's two-year-old daughter and her five-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. At this point, it is alleged the man threw his two-year-old daughter across the room and her head hit the wall with enough force to dent the gyprock.

Police said the man then said he was going to find the biggest knife he could and threatened to kill all of them.

The man was later arrested when he was stopped by officers while driving his car in Holt.

Duty defence lawyer Angus Webb told the court the man did not accept the police allegations and at least two of the charges would be defended.

The man had bandaging on one foot and was having difficulty walking. Mr Webb told the court the injury had been caused by a broken bottle wielded by the man's partner during the incident.

Magistrate Beth Campbell refused the man bail saying the court had a responsibility to keep the woman and her two children safe.

"She is pregnant, she should be treated with complete care and respect," Ms Campbell said.

The man will be kept in custody until he reappears in court early next year.