An aspiring retail worker has been accused of assaulting two Best & Less staff members after stealing a purple pair of tracksuit pants.
Jacob Hogg, 18, allegedly hit a shop manager across the face after she tried to stop him from stealing the pants at Cooleman Court in Weston Creek last week.
Mr Hogg, who is yet to enter a plea to an aggravated robbery charge, was granted bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday.
Dressed in a red-collared polo shirt, black Champion tracksuit pants and red shoes, Mr Hogg allegedly walked out of the store without paying for the clothing item with his partner and a friend last Friday afternoon.
A Best & Less worker said she approached the trio where they were sitting outside the shop, taking the pants off the lap of Mr Hogg's partner.
Court documents said the partner was wearing black tights, a black long-sleeve top, white shoes and a cap with a bunny-ear headband over the top.
"You didn't pay for these," the worker said, before walking back into the shop and putting the pants back up on a rack.
The trio allegedly followed the worker into the store, and "took more track pants off the same rack", court documents stated.
The staff member tried to stop Mr Hogg from allegedly taking the pants and "as a result, there was a push and shove between the two parties" outside the store.
The duty manager then went to help the worker after watching the alleged altercation.
She refused to let Mr Hogg back into the shop, pushing him away.
Mr Hogg then allegedly "pushed past everyone", walked directly at the duty manager and "hit her across the face with his left hand", court documents state.
The 18-year-old was arrested about 4.40pm last Friday and taken to the ACT Watch House.
Prosecutor Archita Sreekumar opposed bail on Monday, saying while Mr Hogg could be prevented from entering Cooleman Court, the "risk still remains that this could still occur in other places".
Defence lawyer Stephanie MacGougan said Mr Hogg had cerebral palsy, and was struggling with the confined spaces in custody.
She said while he hadn't been diagnosed with a condition, being in jail was not good for his mental health.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker said the three days Mr Hogg spent in custody was "a salutary lesson" for the young man.
She said while his alleged criminal behaviour "has to stop", he needed an opportunity to address his possible substance abuse issues.
Bail was therefore granted.
Mr Hogg is scheduled to appear in court again in April.
