Brendan Collins appeared in the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday for a filing hearing, where he also made an application for bail.

Police informant, Detective Brett Duncan, told the court Collins was disturbed jemmying open a caravan on Forest Street early Saturday morning, only to flee and return five hours later allegedly armed with a shotgun.

Police allege Collins went into the house where he asked an occupant to "come outside and be a man".

Interviewed by police, the court heard Collins said he had the gun to scare the houses' occupant.

Detective Duncan said the next morning it is alleged Collins attended a Boronia Grove address armed with a jimmy bar and knife, alongside a co-accused who was allegedly armed with a shotgun.

It is alleged Collins kicked open the door and stole a PlayStation because the houses' occupant owed him $300.

It is also alleged Collins was at a Wattle Avenue address an hour later where he allegedly put a knife to a man's throat, while telling the man he owed him money.

Collins was on bail at the time after being charged with a number of offences late last year, including trafficking ice.

Representing himself, Collins told the court he had found it hard to re-adjust after being released from prison in August, but had recently found a job he said would keep him busy.

When asked why he should be released on bail, he responded by saying: "I don't run anymore, I'd rather just show up (in court)."

Refusing bail, magistrate Frank Jones told Collins he was an unacceptable risk.

Collins was remanded to reappear in court for committal mention on March 30.