The court on Friday heard the drug is an anaesthetic administered intravenously and commonly used in hospital procedures. Mr Singh has been charged with four offences, including posioning to endanger life and common assault (DV).

On the morning of May 5, it's alleged Mr Singh's wife Joytika Lata complained of feeling dehydrated, and lay down on a mattress in the lounge room of the couple's home. Mr Singh allegedly told her he would administer a saline solution intravenously.

The court heard he inserted a cannula into Ms Lata's arm, and in a short amount of time she lost consciousness – until about 6.20pm, when she awoke feeling "groggy".

It's then alleged Ms Lata saw vials of Propofol on the floor, and after reading the packets and realising it was a sedative, she confronted her husband and the pair had a "heated verbal argument" during which time Mr Singh allegedly slapped her in the face.

In an interview with police following his arrest, the court heard Mr Singh admitted to stealing the drug from the hospital but claimed he intended to use it on "pests and vermin" at his residence because he couldn't afford an exterminator.

During the interview Mr Singh denied inserting the cannula into his wife's arm and denied slapping her, the court heard.

Police had also reviewed CCTV that showed Mr Singh retrieving boxes of medication from the boot of his car that were consistent with Propofol while being "seen to regularly check his surroundings consistent with a concern that people may be watching him".

Judge Geoffrey Bellew accepted Mr Singh had a limited criminal record and had a number of character references, including from colleagues at Liverpool Hospital who had "pledged support" for him.

However, he noted the "serious allegations" come against the background of a "turbulent" history between the accused and his wife, which "gives rise in my view to a risk of reoffending".

He said there is also before the court from the Crown's brief "at least prima facie evidence that the applicant has been dishonest" – in terms of the crimes alleged, Mr Singh's conflicting statements to police, and his "acting surreptitiously" while unloading the boxes from the car.

Justice Bellew said given this he had "serious concerns" about whether Mr Singh would adhere to stringent bail conditions, therefore it was denied.