Matthew Duncan, 21, allegedly stabbed his father’s partner in the hand with a 30-centimetre kitchen knife during an argument at their Wodonga home last week.

Senior Constable Neil Hobbs told Wodonga Magistrates’ Court on Monday the victims “fear for their lives” if Duncan was released and could attack them again.

He said the 21-year-old became angry during an argument on May 28 over a $50 debt and allegedly assaulted the woman with the knife, before flipping the kitchen table over and onto her leg.

He was charged with recklessly causing injury and assault with a weapon and released on bail.

A police safety notice put in place last Wednesday prohibited Duncan from committing family violence or contacting the victims, but the very next day, he allegedly called them with more threats.

“She identified the voice of the accused, who threatened to cut her throat,” Senior Constable Hobbs said. “The accused has shown disregard for the safety notice and continues to make threats.”

He said the victims were scared because they believed Duncan had a hatred for them.

Solicitor Mario Vaccaro said his client denied making the phone call on Thursday and was backed up by Duncan, who was heard to say “bulls***” as police gave evidence.

He argued the victim called Duncan herself from a private number and he did not realise who it was until he answered.

The 21-year-old also told police the woman cut herself when attacking him with the knife.

Police would examine the mobile phones to determine who made the call.

Mr Vaccaro argued Duncan should be released from custody so he could continue drug and alcohol counselling imposed as part of a community corrections order.

The court heard he had prior convictions for family violence offences.

Magistrate David Faram acknowledged Duncan was a young man who had co-operated with police, but ruled he was too high a risk to release on bail.

Duncan told custody officers to take him back to the cells before the magistrate could finish talking, and loud banging and yelling could then be heard in the courtroom from the hall.

The case was adjourned.