Two teenage boys might have been using marijuana in the lead-up to the alleged attempted murder of a 16-year-old girl in Albury, a bail application hearing was told on Tuesday.
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Defence lawyer Dominic Holles said that while the prosecution case appeared to be strong, this drug use was "going to be an issue at trial as to whether they were able to form intent".
"It appears marijuana has been consumed immediately prior to the (alleged) offence," Mr Holles told magistrate Rodney Brender in Albury Children's Court.
The application on behalf of a 16-year-old accused over the stabbing of the girl - who was found inside a burning Swan Street house on Monday morning in a "semi-conscious state" - was ultimately rejected by Mr Brender.
He said this was because of the "extremely serious charges" that, according to the facts before him, formed "a very strong case".
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The second boy charged with attempted murder, aged 17, did not appear in court and made no application for bail.
Police have alleged the two teens now in custody visited the house on Monday about 12.30am to request a room for the night from an acquaintance.
The fire was reported at 9.30am.
Prosecutor Sergeant Andrew Coombs said she named her alleged attackers when interviewed after being taken to Albury hospital with a punctured liver.
Each faces several charges, including attempted murder and wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
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The boy who applied for bail was supported in the public gallery by his parents and an uncle.
"This offence," Sergeant Coombs said in opposing bail, "appears to be aggravated by a degree of planning, the age of the victim (and) the circumstances in which the offences take place - in company and in the victim's home."
Mr Holles argued any risks from granting bail could be mitigated with strict conditions, including the effective "house arrest" of the boy at his parents' home. "There is no (criminal) history to speak of."
A temporary order allowing police to take forensic samples from both accused had already been granted.
This means police can take such samples, but until a final order is made - the applications will be considered next month - these won't be admissible in court.
The cases were adjourned to January 21.
