A man who claims he was out searching for gold faced court on Thursday charged with stealing weapons and ammunition from a residence on CSIRO Ginninderra land.
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Jason John Doulis, 35, of Giralang, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon after police found an air rifle and cannabis during a search of his home.
He was charged with possession of the firearm and cannabis and further charged with burglary and theft of two 12-gauge shotguns, a .22 calibre rifle, the air rifle and ammunition worth a total of $3500.
Doulis pleaded guilty to the possession charges and other driving and property charges from an earlier time, but he pleaded not guilty to the theft and burglary charge.
The court heard Doulis's fingerprint had been found on a window at the property that was burgled and the allegedly stolen gun had been found in his home.
The prosecutor opposed bail saying there was a strong case against Doulis and a term of imprisonment was likely.
Doulis's defence lawyer said his client had been in the area looking for gold. He said his family were dependent on his income as a stonemason.
However, the prosecutor said there was a strong chance if bailed he would fail to appear at court and could interfere with evidence.
He suggested Doulis knew where the remaining guns were, could conceal potential evidence and there was still an alleged co-offender at large.
"What [Doulis] wanted to do with these firearms is what is truly concerning to the court," the prosecutor said.
Magistrate Bernadette Boss agreed no bail conditions could mitigate the risks highlighted by the prosecution and Doulis was remanded in custody until September.
