It is alleged Charlie Johnson, who faces nine charges including intentionally causing serious injury, armed himself with a knife following an earlier confrontation with a friend.

Police informant Detective Acting Sergeant Anthony Euvrard told the court the accused and his girlfriend drove to South Australia to pick up the friend, returning to stay at a Ballarat motel.

He said at one stage on March 31 a confrontation between the accused and his friend broke out.

Police allege after the confrontation Johnson went to a nearby supermarket where he stole two knives.

He returned to the motel where an argument between himself and the victim broke out, spilling into the motel’s carpark. 

Detective Acting Sergeant Euvrard alleged Johnson cut his friend on the arm, causing the man to bleed uncontrollably before collapsing on the ground and later needing surgery. 

In a statement to police the accused said he was “only defending himself”.

The court heard the victim had not made a statement to police.

Opposing bail, Detective Acting Sergeant Euvrard said Johnson breached his bail conditions placed on him during a current County Court plea hearing for armed robbery. 

He added he had concerns the accused would continue to arm himself, putting community members at risk.

When cross examined by defence about the CCTV footage, prosecution agreed there was “sizing up” between the men followed by a slicing motion by the accused before his retreat. 

With a lack of a statement from the victim, prosecution conceded there was a “live issue” with self defence which could impact the strength of the case. 

Johnson’s barrister Gordon Chisholm said the CCTV footage supported self defence, one reason why remanding the young man in custody would be unjustified. 

He added the risk of reoffending could be reduced to an acceptable level with the inclusion of a number of conditions that weren’t included on his previous bail, including a curfew and daily reporting. 

Mr Chisholm said his client also had an intellectual disability, making it relevant to assess whether it was appropriate to keep him in custody. 

Johnson was remanded to reappear in court on June 16.