Danny Geard applied for bail on the grounds he had accommodation and he needed to address his mental health and drug use.

Geard is charged with multiple offences, including drugs offences and an aggravated burglary charge, where it is alleged he held a knife to a man’s throat on October 12 last year.

Detective Senior Constable Jeff Highthorn told the court Geard, an ice user, had forced his way into a Delacombe home and broke a coffee table before holding a knife to a man’s throat and demanding money.

Detective Highthorn said he had tried to assist the accused but an Ararat house where the accused was meant to be residing was “derelict" and another in Burbank St, Ballarat, cited as planned accommodation was the focus of police attention.

Mr Bates, for Geard, said the majority of Geard’s offending had occurred after he turned 36, when his marriage disintegrated and he lost contact with his four children.

“He was ex-communicated from his family, because of the Jehovah Witness rule that there be no contact with ‘non witnesses’ … and he lost all support,” Mr Bates said.

Geard “fell back onto drugs and struggled with his mental health. He needs proper drug and alcohol support and more stringent bail reporting conditions,” he said.

“Four weeks is a long time for anyone in a cell,” Mr Bates said, referring to the committal hearing that was adjourned from May to August.

However, the court heard an extensive list of offences and court order breaches dating back to 2002, including five warrants issued for failure to appear at court.

Magistrate Stratmann said he was not satisfied there were “compelling reasons” and refused bail.

Geard will return to court on August 10 for a committal hearing.