A refugee's alleged "explosive act of violence" has left a court with questions after a man was reportedly stabbed multiple times.
"The basis for his conduct is not understood," Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker said on Thursday.
Atem Gak Atem, 26, was denied bail in the ACT Magistrates Court after being charged in relation to an alleged stabbing in Belconnen.
Atem, who has no fixed address, is yet to enter pleas to charges of recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm, threatening to inflict grievous bodily harm, and property damage.
Officers were called to a home on Ranken Loop following reports of an alleged altercation between two men at about 1pm on August 24.
Ms Walker said Atem was visiting a family, who had supported him in the past, and was "looking for someone".
When he could not find this person, Atem allegedly stabbed a man multiple times, threatened to stab a woman and then broke several windows with a rock.
The alleged stabbing victim was taken to hospital with "serious injuries" but is reportedly now in a "stable" condition.
Police were searching for the alleged stabber for almost a week.
On Wednesday afternoon, officers visited a homeless shelter in north Canberra and arrested Atem.
Officers searched the shelter and allegedly found a knife and other items, which were taken for forensic examination.
On Thursday, Legal Aid lawyer Gillian Bilton said Atem was a refugee from South Sudan who "is a vulnerable member of the community".
"Where someone is so vulnerable, remanding them in the Alexander Maconochie Centre is not necessarily going to benefit them in any way," she argued.
Prosecutor Corinne Kennedy said there were concerns about the safety of the community if Atem was released on bail.
"It's an explosive act of violence that is certainly disproportionate," Ms Kennedy told the court.
She said the allegations involved an "inexplicable act of violence".
The Chief Magistrate said Atem had a criminal history in Queensland which included convictions for stalking, sexual assault and robbery.
"There is a very significant risk to members of the community if Mr Atem was released at this time," Ms Walker stated.
Police are seeking dash-cam footage from drivers who were in the vicinity of Ranken Loop, Totterdell Street or Luxton Street, Belconnen from 12.30pm through to 2pm last Friday.
Atem is set to face court again in September.
Anyone who has not already spoken to police that may have information in relation to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote 7831948. Information can be provided anonymously.
